Distinctive, with Persian lime, verbena, fennel seed and savory notes all intertwined on a lithe frame. This is sneaky long through the finish, and it should evolve a bit more with some brief cellaring. Drink now through 2024.
Vinous (90)
This is only the second vintage of this dry white wine made from the Chateau Climens's vineyard in Sauternes, in collaboration with Pascal Jolivet from Sancerre. It is 100% Sémillon, fermented and aged in stainless steel. The nose has a lovely, soft-spoken restraint, offering notes of lemon peel, fresh hay, Bosc pears and paraffin wax with touches of coriander seed, honeysuckle and toasted almonds. The medium-bodied palate has beautifully understated savory and mineral nuances accenting the citrus and spiced pears flavors with a lively line of freshness and a satiny texture, finishing long and perfumed. I'm seriously smitten by this uniquely fragrant, uncontrived style of dry white coming from Sauternes—bravo! It is delicious right now, but I'd like to see what this does with 5+ years of cellaring. As with Chateau Climens, this wine is certified both organic and biodynamic.
Falstaff (88)
Pale yellow-green, silver reflections. Smoky, subtly reductive, fresh rhubarb, some chamomile, a pleasant herbal savouriness. Medium bodied, nuances of vervain, a subtle acidity, already developed, with a mineral finish, subtle length.
