My first adventure into Sauternes was a great experience! Everything I've read about the great things "noble rot" or botrytis cinerea can do to semillon and sauvignon blanc and there really is something to it.Sauternes whites are all sweet dessert wines which are generally known as the world's best sweet wines. Chateau d'Yquem is usually the first name in Bordeaux whites, but others from the area also produce wonderful examples, such as this one from Denis Dubourdieu.
Very different from other sweet whites, I detect minerals and spices on the nose - think nutmeg. Sweet, but not sickly so on the tongue, I get a bit of salt and apricot with a refined smoothness on the finish.
Even this 2005 is probably too young, but nonetheless, a great experience in the glass. I bought it by the half-bottle and found that it was just enough for ME! 14% alcohol, it's no softy. Acidity, fruits, and big long finish make this a winner at a fraction of the price of the big boys like d'Yquem.
T-Scale 91. I highly recommend this for an impressive finish to a big evening out, or a small evening in. $30 - $40 per 375ml bottle. A good way to get your feet wet in Sauternes.
No comments:
Post a Comment