Typically a blend of Sémillon with some Sauvignon and a small but not insignificant portion of Muscadelle. Aged in predominantly old oak barriques. 14% alcohol.
Luminous, dark golden yellow color with a medium-deep bronze core. Sweet and very expressive nose with a pronounced, exotic streak of saffron, which segues into sweeter nuances of caramel, acacia honey, some cloudberry jam, light tangerine marmalade notes and a hint of savory old wood. The wine is sweet, juicy and slightly sticky on the palate with a full body and ripe, almost luscious flavors of acacia honey, saffron, some tangerine marmalade, light pineapple notes, a little bit of nectarine, a hint of evolved caramel or toffee character and a hint of ripe orange. The moderately high acidity is perfectly in balance with the richness and the body, lending the wine enough structure to not just perform well on its own, but to pair wonderfully with rich, funky cheeses. The finish is rich, sweet and juicy with long, complex flavors of caramel, saffron, some overripe apricot, light cloudberry jam tones, a little bit of burnt sugar bitterness, a hint of canned pineapple and a touch of beeswax.
A lovely, classic aged Sauternes that has evolved enough to develop that distinct saffron note, yet doesn't come across as too tertiary in any way - even though the dark, bronze color might suggest otherwise. All in all, a lovely sticky that is in a great shape right now and is not going to be falling apart anytime soon - on the contrary, I believe this terrific vintage might actually continue to improve from here. Simply delicious on its own and goes ridiculously well with cheeses. Classic stuff.
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Classic apricot on the nose. Lots of acidity with stops it being too gloopy. Obviously lots of sweetness on the palate. Apricot flavours quite long finish. Solid but not exceptional.
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WSET Level 2 Class 1 (BCIT Downtown Campus, Vancouver, BC): Tasted blind. Clear, deep golden hue. Nose is clean and pronounced, with aromas of honey, preserved lemon, tropical fruit, spice, citrus peel, and a hint of beeswax. Palate is sweet and full-bodied, with medium+ acid and viscous texture. Flavours of floral honey, candied lemon/ lime peel, spice, with very long finish. Very good quality, with further aging potential. I really enjoyed this.
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9/11/2021 - forceberry wrote: 94 Points
Typically a blend of Sémillon with some Sauvignon and a small but not insignificant portion of Muscadelle. Aged in predominantly old oak barriques. 14% alcohol.
Luminous, dark golden yellow color with a medium-deep bronze core. Sweet and very expressive nose with a pronounced, exotic streak of saffron, which segues into sweeter nuances of caramel, acacia honey, some cloudberry jam, light tangerine marmalade notes and a hint of savory old wood. The wine is sweet, juicy and slightly sticky on the palate with a full body and ripe, almost luscious flavors of acacia honey, saffron, some tangerine marmalade, light pineapple notes, a little bit of nectarine, a hint of evolved caramel or toffee character and a hint of ripe orange. The moderately high acidity is perfectly in balance with the richness and the body, lending the wine enough structure to not just perform well on its own, but to pair wonderfully with rich, funky cheeses. The finish is rich, sweet and juicy with long, complex flavors of caramel, saffron, some overripe apricot, light cloudberry jam tones, a little bit of burnt sugar bitterness, a hint of canned pineapple and a touch of beeswax.
A lovely, classic aged Sauternes that has evolved enough to develop that distinct saffron note, yet doesn't come across as too tertiary in any way - even though the dark, bronze color might suggest otherwise. All in all, a lovely sticky that is in a great shape right now and is not going to be falling apart anytime soon - on the contrary, I believe this terrific vintage might actually continue to improve from here. Simply delicious on its own and goes ridiculously well with cheeses. Classic stuff.
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1/3/2015 - PC73 wrote: 91 Points
Classic apricot on the nose.
Lots of acidity with stops it being too gloopy.
Obviously lots of sweetness on the palate. Apricot flavours quite long finish.
Solid but not exceptional.
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10/15/2012 - fries Likes this wine:
WSET Level 2 Class 1 (BCIT Downtown Campus, Vancouver, BC): Tasted blind. Clear, deep golden hue. Nose is clean and pronounced, with aromas of honey, preserved lemon, tropical fruit, spice, citrus peel, and a hint of beeswax. Palate is sweet and full-bodied, with medium+ acid and viscous texture. Flavours of floral honey, candied lemon/ lime peel, spice, with very long finish. Very good quality, with further aging potential. I really enjoyed this.
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5/16/2012 - samer wrote: 89 Points
mostly sweet, with hints of peaches...not enough complexity or lemon/acidity
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6/11/2011 - costamalfitana wrote: 89 Points
deep golden color; dried apricots, nice sauternes, could benefit from more acidity, very nice; don't drink this too cold.
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