Geoffrey Binder, JJ Buckley, April 2012

100% semillon. Aged in a mix of one-third new, 1-year, and 2-year old barrels. Climens does not present classic barrel samples as the final assemblage is yet to be determined. But we did taste a number of parcels, six samples representing six different tries or harvest days, directly from barrel. Each portion highlighted a different profile, ranging from clean, bright, and fresh to richer and more textured. #1 - Sept. 8: Exotic and ripe tropical notes with an emphasis on elegance and freshness. Pure and vibrant. #2 - Sept. 12: Showing more depth, concentration and richness, verging on honey, with more noticeable spice. 3# - Sept. 15: Hitting more marmalade and citrus rind flavors, with moderate weight, spice, and fresh acidity. #4 - Sept. 18: Represents 40% of the harvest. A deeper gold color than earlier samples, showing lots of spice and honey, with vibrant citrus and mineral characters, and a slightly fat and nutty element. Superb complexity. #5 -Sept. 21: Brilliant yellow gold color. Marzipan and orange rind. Mouthwatering, really rich, and buttery, with coconut crème and lemon curd flavors. #6 - Sept. 28: Returning to a leaner profile and more citrus elements, plus clementine, floral, and vanilla bean flavors, all while showing a rich nutty character that expresses bright citrus and mineral notes. Symmetry on all levels, with not one sample evidently out of proportion or balance. One can only imagine the potential of the final blend, but based on these samples this promises to be a truly outstanding wine that will last for decades to come.

95 -97 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 2012

Tasting through individual lots, I was struck by their purity and tautness, developing engaging floral aromas with aeration, with occasional notes of yellow plum and ginger. On the palate, once again there is a common theme of purity and crisp acidity, although they alternated between a lighter and a more mellifluous style. One or two significant lots demonstrated enticing spicy notes that define great Climens. There is certainly enormous potential here, one that beckons an intense, vivacious Barsac underpinned by freshness and focus.

The 2011 was picked over five tries in two phases, the first from September 8 to the 21st representing a whopping 82% of the harvest over two tries; the second from September 26 until the 28th comprising over three smaller tries. Although the weather played a critical factor, Berenice Lurton attributed the success of her wine to her limestone soils.

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