April 3, 2024 - In the bullseye of its drinking window. So rich and complex. If dessert wines are your thing, this delivers extraordinary joy and value. Reminder to self: the next time an amazing Sauternes vintage like 2009 occurs, again buy cases of half bottles of La Tour Blanche, Doisy-Daene, Coutet, Guiraud, and Rieussec. Glorious over a multi-decade drinking window.
March 15, 2024 - Very, very, very enjoyable. Standard Sauternes colour. My more subjective impressions are: honey-acacia-jasmine bouquet, while taste-wise citrus, notably bitter orange, is prevailing in this phase (and a touch of caramel too, as I red somewhere).
Outstanding QPR to say the least, not the finest ever, but for that quality of Sauternes, one usually has to pay more. That is possibly (and probably) due to the overall quality of 2009 vintage in Sauternes. Saw in robertparker.com that is rathed as the best vintage in the last 30 yrs, and even more. Yeah, it feels like...
The only caveat I have is that I do not expect it will improve by ageing. It will certainly last for 25 more yrs - and many more. Yet, I do not think it will really improve.
March 14, 2024 - This is is one of a few sweeties left in my cellar: I rarely consume them, and, for the most part, they remain readily available at fair prices, especially given what it takes to make them: my dining companion called Sauternes the foie gras of wine—which is interesting, given that the two are often consumed together. In any case, this was not overly concentrated, a lovely orange-gold color, and nicely complemented the carrot, cheese, and vanilla cakes. Excellent balance; long finish, and a long life ahead.
February 23, 2024 - Medium + dark golden. Intense nose of dried apricot, mango, some marzipan, honey.
Palate similar. Very intense, persistent and luscious flavors that linger long. Nicely balanced. Has matured nicely, and is in a nice place now, but will probably continue to evolve some more years.
Paired perfectly with apple crumble pie and vanilla ice cream.
Medium body, medium acidity.
February 22, 2024 - From 375: Provided me with as much satisfaction as far more expensive Sauterne provides. Granted I'm not a sweet wine guy, but I experienced profound satisfaction and no cloying sweetness with this wine. Had with Créme Brûlée.
February 18, 2024 - Lovely. Sweet, nicely mature, honeyed, with orange and apricot , long excellent finish
February 10, 2024 - Calling an Audible (Brad & Marcia's Place, St. Paul, MN): Dark gold color. Drank a glass over 30 minutes. This was wonderful with Marcia's lemon olive cake. Pineapple, floral, lemon, oarnge, honeycomp, tart, light medium bodied, with a touch of bitter orange marmalade and creme brulee on the finish.
February 8, 2024 - Had at Wine Club. Sweet wine of the night. Beautifully in balance, rich and unctuous with citrus and tropical notes. Went well with chocolate tart. Delicious. Plenty of time.
January 7, 2024 - Klar, ørlite mørk gyllen farge. Masse god lukt: honning, fersken og karamell. Søtt anslag, men sødmen er godt integrert, ikke stikkende søt. Litt tykk konsistens. Meget lang. En meget god Sauternes.
December 31, 2023 - Very nice...not too sweet...honey and lemon...lacking backbone/acidity for the long haul.