2000 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Sauternes, 375ml

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet is the brand name of popular Bordeaux which is blend of grapes from several Bordeaux appellations. It was created in the early 1930s by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, who was the youngest son (hence the name “cadet,” referring to a younger son) of the aristocratic family that owned Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Following several poor vintages in the late 1920s, Philippe de Rothschild started Mouton Cadet as a second label, though over the decades it improved in quality and became one of the best selling wines in the world. The reserve blend was created in 1996. The Mouton Cadet Reserve brand now includes a Medoc, a Saint-Emilion, Graves Rouge and Blanc and a Sauternes. Mouton Cadet is distributed by Constellation Brands.

Sauternes makes the world’s most famous dessert wines. Though the appellation lies within the Graves region of Bordeaux’s left bank, the appellation makes only sweet wines from white grapes, primarily Semillon sometimes blended with small amounts of Muscadelle. The five communes within Sauternes are Barsac, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac and Sauternes. Barsac also has its own appellation and, typically, Barsac wines are slightly drier and lighter than other Sauternes. Sauternes are made when weather conditions result in a mold called Botrytis cinerea developing on the grapes, which causes them to become especially sweet. Sauternes are not produced every vintage, so successful vintages become especially collectible. Sauternes estates were classified in 1855, and Château d’Yquem, the appellation’s most prestigious estate, was ranked in a class by itself as a Premier Grand Cru. Château d’Yquem wines are among the most prized wines in the world.