2015 Climens (Barsac)

The 2015 Climens was tasted from different lots (after naughty Berenice Lurton had successfully duped me with her April Fool`s joke by saying that she had done a final blend). The fruit was picked from 8 September until 4 October at 21 hl/ha. The residual sugar is 130 grams per liter this year. Aromas that spring from samples included acacia honey, orange blossom, grapefruit and a little frangipane, all beautifully defined and gaining intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a dash of spice on the entry, lively in the mouth with ginger and a dash of pepper tincturing the honeyed fruit, long and sustained as it fans out with vigor. This is a fabulous Climens from Berenice Lurton and her team, and as usual, those with wise heads will opt to lay bottles down for 15 years to get the most from this special Barsac. It is destined to be a great Climens - and that`s no April Fool`s joke. 96-98 points

Of the 22 very promising ingredients, many are big and muscular, while some are particularly spicy. As usual, Berenice Lurton did not show the final blend, which is likely to be about 14.3% alcohol. 18 points