1989 Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe, Barsac 1x75cl

Neal Martin 98

This bottle of 1989 Climens replicates the stunning showing at the chateau the previous year. Yellow plum and saffron soars on the electrifying nose, just breathtaking delineation and vibrancy. The palate is likewise brimming over with energy, very intens [Neal Martin, 02/07/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2050

Stephen Tanzer 96

Green-tinged straw color. Initially less expressive nose opened to show floral, herbal and vanillin notes as well as a pungent minerally quality. Very sweet but very suave, with fresh but perfectly integrated acidity serving to frame and intensify the superb, mineral-and-citric fruit. Can’t match the ’90 for pure size and power but the harmoniousness of this wine is truly striking. Very, very long and subtle on the aftertaste. A great Climens. I underrated this wine in its early days, as it was overshadowed by the more powerful, more phenolic ’90. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/1998]

Wine Advocate 94

Tasted at the Bordeaux Index’s Chateau Climens dinner. A little lighter in colour than the ’90, this ’89 Climens retains its glorious barley sugar, honeysuckle and peach-tinged nose with touches of ginger evolving with aeration. The palate is harmonious, supple and very pure with acacia honey, quince, apricot and noticeably less residual sugar on the finish than the aforementioned ’90. Superb, but the chateau bottle in April was better. Tasted November 2009. [Neal Martin, 01/11/2009]

JancisRobinson.com 18

Half bottle. Orange/tawny. Medium intensity. Burnt caramel notes. Quite fresh and pure. Distinctly tangy with a hint of orange peel. Not that sweet. But it stood up very well to a range of Indian sweetmeats. [01/03/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030