The king of Sauternes, Château d’Yquem is the only wine in the appellation to receive a First Growth distinction. According to local lore, it was the proprietors of this estate who first recognized the value of “noble rot.”

Domaine Francois Lamarche dates to the early 19th century, when Henri Lamarche, a cooper, married Marie Grivelet from Chambolle-Musigny and the couple started making wine. Today the fifth and sixth generations of the family run the historic estate.

Château Canon was founded by an 18th century French naval officer who made his fortune pillaging English trading ships. He built the château and planted his entire property to grapes. Today Canon is known for rich, full-bodied, muscular wines.