1996 Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe, Barsac 12x75cl

Vinous 92

Good pale color. Spicy, perfumed, slightly high-toned aromas of ripe citrus fruits and mint. Concentrated and bracing in the mouth, with penetrating acidity and a distinct lemony flavor. Sharply focused, graceful and extremely youthful. Very long, subtle aftertaste features terrific grip. Finishes with notes of spicy oak and butterscotch. Today the above sample seems more dominated by the wood. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/1999]

Robert Parker 92

Tasted at Chateau Climens. The 1996 has a better nose than the 1997 at this stage. Barley sugar, mandarin, beeswax and a little orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with very good structure, clean entry with citrus fruits, orange-blossom and a touch of tangerine. Vibrant on the entry with very good length ” this is showing better than the 1997. Very fine. Drink now-2025+ Tasted April 2009. [01/04/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025

JancisRobinson.com 16.5+

Very bright Lucozade colour. Very timid nose – too much sulphur? Then neat and fresh and with real fruit core in the middle. Not that sweet – good balance. Still quite youthful. Shame it’s so inexpressive on the nose. [17/02/2011]

Anticipated maturity: 2011-2024