The 2016 Climens Sauternes Blend is a notable white wine from the Barsac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Climens, this wine is composed of a blend typical of Sauternes, known for its rich, sweet profile. The wine features a 14.0% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork.
A highlight of this vintage is its consistently high ratings from various wine critics. Vinous reviewer Neal Martin praised the wine with a score of 94, noting its "wonderful bouquet" that includes "orange pith, wild honey and quince." He describes it as well-balanced with "fine definition, fresh and vibrant with a creamy honeyed texture, praline and apricot, on the seductive finish," and concludes with a straightforward "Superb."
Another review from Vinous, published earlier in 2017, gave the 2016 Climens a score range of 93-96 points. This review highlights the wine’s complexity, derived from four separate lots. Each lot brought distinct characteristics: "plush and tropical-leaning" from the Nord, "deep and also light on its feet" from the Sud, "precise and aromatically lifted" from the Ouest, and "most concentrated" from the Est. The resultant blend suggested a "magnificent Barsac," showcasing remarkable interplay of components.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated the wine 96+, describing it as "pale lemon-gold colored" with subtle initial aromas that evolve into "ripe peaches, mango and musk melon" with hints of "cedar chest, orange blossoms, candied ginger and baking bread." Lisa Perrotti-Brown noted its "vibrant, energetic stone fruit and tropical layers," framed by impressive freshness with a long, creamy finish.
Wine Spectator also provided a commendable review, scoring it 93. They highlighted the expressive nature of the wine, featuring "peach, mirabelle plum, mango and pear fruit flavors" intertwined with "light bitter almond and orange notes and a flash of honeysuckle."
Decanter’s review, scoring it 94, detailed the meticulous production process, including blending tastings and selective harvests. The wine is described as having "smooth citrus fruits with a succulent, velvety rich texture and a beautiful creaminess," accented by "toffee and nut notes" and a "gorgeous focus" with salinity on the finish.
Overall, the 2016 Climens Sauternes Blend is celebrated for its complexity, balance, and vibrant flavors, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts of rich, sweet white wines.