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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.

2005 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Light capsule condition issue

JS  95   
WS  92   
WA  91   

2003 Château La Tour-Blanche

375ml

WS  97   
RP  96   
ST  93   
JR  18   

1997 Château Doisy Vedrines

Light capsule condition issue; lightly elevated cork; signs of past seepage; label condition issue

WS  93   

1990 Château De Malle

Capsule condition issue; signs of past seepage; light label condition issue

WS  95   
RP  90   

1990 Château De Malle

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

WS  95   
RP  90