1982 Climens
By Chateau Climens
1982 Climens from Chateau Climens, Sauternes, Bordeaux
The splendour of the 1982 vintage for Sauternes cannot be understated, and among its noble offerings, the 1982 Climens from Chateau Climens exudes a particular grandeur that firmly establishes it as a pinnacle of this remarkable year. The enduring legacy of Climens, known affectionately as 'Lord of Barsac', finds its distilled essence in this exquisite vintage, much sought after by fine wine investors for both its rarity and venerable expression of the terroir.
An Unrepeatable Confluence of Nature and Mastery
The symphony of weather conditions that graced Bordeaux in 1982 provided an exemplary stage for botrytized grapes to flourish. It is the delicate interplay between the morning mists from the Garonne and the dry, sunny afternoons that allowed for an impeccable development of noble rot crucial in crafting the lauded sweet wines of Sauternes. The 1982 Climens carries this climatic imprint within its golden-hued elixir, offering a generous bouquet replete with honeyed apricots, acacia, and a whisper of saffron.
Investing in a Liquid Legacy
For connoisseurs and collectors the world over, the 1982 vintage stands as one of the most investable. Beyond mere appreciation though lies the added reward of possessing a part of vinous history; such refinement will grace cellars and portfolios for decades to come. Each sip of the 1982 Climens invites a journey through time, where the skillful orchestration of Chateau Climens' winemaking savoir-faire meets the serendipity of an unparalleled vintage.
Alluding to this enigmatic balance, the palate is greeted with a complex assemblage: vivacious candied citrus peel dances with tropical pineapple and lush stone fruits, all underlined by an aristocratic botrytis character. The finish resonates with an assured depth and a persistence that belies its years. Aged to perfection, yet still hinting at more revelations with future decanting, this is a wine that promises continued evolution.
Summarising Substance and Splendour
In closing, the illumination brought about by a tasting of the 1982 Climens from Chateau Climens transcends written depiction; it is an experiential testament to Sauternes' unparalleled ability to produce age-worthy sweet wines that marry opulence with elegance. As an investment piece, it unassumingly sits at the acme of promise — not simply as a wine but as a cherishing gesture towards storied craftsmanship amidst the caprices of nature's bounty in 1982. Those fortunate enough to partake in its complexities will no doubt acknowledge its standing amongst the finest Sauternes has ever offered.
Market price (USD)
$1,160.00
12x75cl
Highest score
80
POP score
N/A
Scores and tasting notes
Only tasted twice, but on each occasion Climens did not display the crisp acidity and structure that one has come to expect from this property. Somewhat diffuse, sweet, and flabby, without enough counterbalancing acidity, this is a wine that will no doubt mature quite quickly. Anticipated maturity: Now-1993. Last tasted, 3/86.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 1997