14% abv, Sauternes, Gironde, imported by Votto Vines Inc., Hamden, CT.
Winemaking notes: 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, from 70 hectares of vines that average 45 years-old and are farmed HVE. The grapes are hand harvested through three passes, and yield a tiny 20 hl/ha. The wine ferments in stainless steel tanks and then ages for 18 months in 50% new oak barrels and 50% once-used old barrels.
Tasting note: the Sauternes is deep gold in color with hints of amber and a clean nose of pronounced intensity with aromas of lilac, golden raisin, dried apricot, loquat, peach preserves, nectarine, clover honey, lanolin, ginger, saffron, French vanilla and balsam wood. On the palate this wine is sweet with medium+ acid, high alcohol, full body, pronounced flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of lilac, magnolia, honeysuckle, guava, passion fruit, dried apricot, marmalade, honey, macadamia nut, marzipan, French vanilla, toasted coconut, saffron, beeswax, ginger and lanolin. Drink now through 2040, this wine is outstanding: 9.6/10.
