Château Climens 2023 – 1er Cru
an exceptional vintage born from adversity
« It is in adversity that greatness is revealed.»
Pliny The Younger
The 2023 vintage is a stark yet beautiful demonstration of this, a perfect summary of the new climate and the Climens terroir’s ability to adapt and produce another exceptional vintage. After such trials, what a result! A mild start to the year encouraged the vines to emerge from winter prematurely. This is becoming a common occurrence in our region. Our wind turbines and their wood pellet-based heat sources allowed us to withstand a temperature of -2.1°C at the height of the night of April 4th to 5th and to save the harvest from our old vines dedicated to sweet wine. Rain and heat alternate, harmonizing and creating a tropical climate conducive to vine growth, but also to mildew, millerandage (uneven ripening), and coulure (poor fruit set).
Despite all our efforts to respect biodynamic practices, three-quarters of the harvest from the old plots will not reach maturity. September tests our patience once again, but it is rewarded on September 26th with the first day of harvesting under a beautiful blue sky. However, we must hurry because botrytis develops very quickly on ripe grapes eager to express their full potential. On October 3rd, the harvest is in the cellar and can begin its aging process.
After 20 months of aging on fine lees, followed by 9 months in the bottle, it now reveals all its promise. Its brilliance, harmony, and crystalline freshness make this 2023 vintage a perfect expression of Climens’ style and its quest for purity and elegance.
Download the technical specifications for the 2023 vintage
© photo : JMCoulombeau