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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.

2003 Château d'Yquem

Light label condition issue

WS  98   
JS  98   
JR  19   
WA  94+    

1976 Château Rieussec

1.5ltr

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

RP  90   
MB  ****   

1976 Château Rieussec

1.5ltr

Heavy capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

RP  90   
MB  ****   

1955 Château Suduiraut

Capsule condition issue; very top shoulder fill; heavy label condition issue

MB  ****   

1967 Château Suduiraut

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

WA  94   
VN  93   

1967 Château Gilette Creme de Tete

Lightly depressed cork; label condition issue