December 2013

From half bottle (375ml).

Mid-gold.  The more pungent, perfumed example.  High-toned, with a blue-flower iridescence: wisteria, lavender honey.  More pronounced acidity but it does not obtrude.  Zippy yet substantive.  Finishes savory.  Sleek, transparent Barsac.  Now – 2015+.

December 2012

From half bottle (375ml).

Medium gold color; on the lightish side for an ’81.  Flowery and racy, with plenty of pourriture noble.  A satisfying richness, with a tilt towards crème brûlée, for what is considered a less than stellar vintage.  A complex fruit: citrus blossom, walnut honey, quince, pineapple gelée.  The grip is firm.  Impressively persistent.  This has depth and flair.  Much better than its Barsac cousin Château Climens in ’81.  Now – 2015.