1988 Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe, Barsac

Château Climens cultivates its Premier Cru Classé Barsac exclusively from Sémillon, a singular approach underpinned by its unique terroir of ferruginous clayey sands over asteriated limestone bedrock, which naturally fosters the grape's acid retention. Through extremely low yields and meticulous selective harvesting, the estate guides this fruit into a wine that sees fermentation and 20-22 months of aging in 30-40% new French oak. The 1988 vintage, defined by a hot, dry summer that delayed botrytis development, eventually saw ideal conditions for noble rot unfold well into a late October and November harvest. This prolonged development imparted profound richness and layered complexity to the grapes. The resulting wine is structurally defined by exceptional density, a precise acidity, and a silky texture that collectively ensure its remarkable longevity.