Climens 1986 (750ML)

97 VM / 96 WA / 18 JR

Tasted at Chateau Climens. A lucid golden colour. This has a more “broody” nose that demands some coaxing from the glass. Seville orange, marmalade, a touch of quince and lanolin. The palate is stunning: immense power, stunning focus and balance, superb tautness and length, really fanning out into a spectrum of flavours towards the finish with notes of Clementine, apricot and a hint of ginger. Wonderful length and poise – one of the greatest Climens of the decade. Drink now-2040+. Tasted April 2009.-Neal Martin, Vinous Media

A totally compelling Climens and to my mind, every bit as good as the 1988, the 1986 is probably the best Climens made since their spectacular 1971. It is still light gold in color, with an expansive bouquet of new oak, oranges, pineapples, and other tropical fruits. In the mouth, the great richness seems all the more impressive because of the wine's remarkable clarity and definition. There is as much botrytis in the 1986 as in the 1988. Despite the intensity and extract levels, this sweet wine comes across as crisp and relatively light. The 1986 is a stunning example of Climens at its very best.-Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

Medium gold and remarkably pale. Woody, cedary nose but also spicy and exotic then lots of barley sugar on the palate (massive botrytis year). Very tangy on the palate with intense bitter orange flavour to a long finish. Rich but focused and persistent.-Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson