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Sauternes

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.

1983 Château Suduiraut

375ml

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; signs of past seepage; top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

MB  ***   

1983 Château Suduiraut

375ml

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; signs of past seepage; very top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

MB  ***   

1989 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Light capsule condition issue; label condition issue

WS  94   

1989 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Light label condition issue

WS  94   

1986 Château Climens

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; light label condition issue

RP  96   
WS  94   
JR  18   

1986 Château Climens

Light capsule condition issue; lightly depressed cork; base neck fill; light label condition issue

RP  96   
WS  94   
JR  18   

1986 Château Climens

Light capsule condition issue; base neck fill; light label condition issue

RP  96   
WS  94   
JR  18   

1988 Château Raymond-Lafon

Very top shoulder fill; label condition issue

RP  92   
WS  91   

1986 Château Rayne-Vigneau

Heavy capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; base neck fill; label condition issue

WS  91   
RP  90   

1986 Château Bastor-Lamontagne

Capsule condition issue; lightly elevated cork; base neck fill; label condition issue

1989 Château Mayne des Carmes

Light label condition issue