February 10, 2024 - Confirm previous note.
December 24, 2023 - 8th of 12, pnp, perfect cork and level, another superb bottle in line with last in October 20, very complex, concentrated, long and persistence with a certain freshness and lift which I associate with 88, only cautionary note is that this bottle for the first time slightly broader and with former drive diminished, plateau, no rush. VF+ (19).
December 24, 2023 - Well balanced between sweetness, acidity and alcohol level. Perfect fit with Foie Gras. No ageing yet, no need to hurry. Nice Sauternes.
But missing some deepness, density and complexity that I am used to with Riesling Beerenauslese etc.
November 23, 2023 - Goodness this was a great bottle, though the cork was tricky. Golden, not dark but deep. wonderful balance, great acidity. Stating to think '88 might have the edge long term. What to say, panoply of stone fruits, plenty honey, butterscotch, warm spices and on and on. Just lovely.
November 19, 2023 - Bought a full case of 375s on release in 1991, have slowly enjoyed them over many years, still have nine to go, will drink one every 6-12 months. The color keeps getting darker gold. A fabulous Sauternes, at least as good as most costing far more. Deep gold color, bright and clear. Very viscous. On the nose, apricots predominate, with peaches and honey, and some honeysuckle. Thick and rich on the palate, similar flavors to the aromas, nicely balanced with high acidity to counter the intense sweetness. Most amazing...I opened it about six months ago, forgot about it in the fridge, had the final glass recently. It was still as great and vibrant as when first opened! This is fabulous and at its peak, but still has many years ahead.
Ric
June 17, 2023 - Cork fell into the bottle the moment I touched it, so I decanted into a Pyrex mixing bowl. Beautiful color. Notes of apricot, beeswax, orange marmalade, and a hint of dried tea leaves. Very very nice.
June 4, 2023 - 375ml bottle, 1988 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, faced a little trouble with a sinking cork via Coravin. The wine presents itself like liquid amber in the glass. The aroma - a triad of dried apricots, caramel, and marmalade. The first sip, quite like an orchestration of sweet orange marmalade and tropical fruit, doesn't shy away. The finish, long and extremely balanced, makes it feel seamless. Despite the cork issue, this one stands strong.
June 3, 2023 - From a full bottle. Perhaps not in the top rank of 88's but delicious nonetheless. Certainly ready, but will last certainly in this format.
April 1, 2023 - From a half...waxy deliciousness...Sweet, round, rich, medium long.
January 20, 2023 - half-bottle, perfect level and cork, amber gold colour, superb complex and really interesting nose, lovely favour on the palate with perfect balance between acidity and sweetness, butterscotch and orange marmalade, endless length and aftertaste, nicely dry finish from the botrytis, great wine at its peak still