France · Bordeaux

Chateau Climens

Chateau Climens is the pre-eminent estate of Barsac and widely regarded as Sauternes' most consistently brilliant Premier Cru Classe after Yquem. Situated in Barsac on deep sandy soils over alios (iron-rich sandstone), Climens produces wines from 100% Semillon—the only premier cru in the region to do so—giving exceptional purity and aromatic finesse. Frederique Lurton managed the estate from 1992 until 2019, implementing biodynamic viticulture from 2010 onward. The wine's texture is defined by tension between richness and mineral acidity, distinguishing it from heavier Sauternes styles. With 1,126 lots averaging $183 per bottle and peaks to $2,878, Climens consistently attracts collector demand. The 2001 vintage is widely considered among the greatest Sauternes of the 20th century and commands substantial premiums. Additional strong vintages include 1988, 1989, 1990, 1997, 2007, and 2009. The second wine Cypres de Climens offers earlier-drinking access to the estate's Semillon. In 2020, Climens was acquired by a collective of investors and has continued biodynamic practice under new management.