About the Wine

Sauternes is the iconic sweet wine of Bordeaux. This region is a paradise for lovers of sweetness, finesse, and elegant wines. It's not easy to find a good value Sauternes, (wines from this region can fetch up to $1,000 a bottle or more,) but when we do, we're thrilled to share them with you!

Sauternes wines are made primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been naturally affected by noble rot, Botrytis fungus. In this case, it’s a desirable fungus, allowing the perfect growing conditions for sweet wine. The fungus causes small holes in the skin of the grapes, and the grapes dehydrate on the vine, concentrating the sugar in the grapes, they look like raisins at harvest. The result is a wine with deep and complex flavors and aromas. 

The Clos Haut-Peyraguey vineyard is nestled on the highest point of the plateau of the Bommes commune in Sauternes, it is located in the heart of the growths classified in 1855 as Premier Cru Classé. Opposite Château d’Yquem, this ancient barony has survived the centuries since its first harvest in 1618. With 7 years already under this bottle's belt, it is ready to start opening today. 

In the vineyards, sustainable farming is practiced. Replanting is done by phasing in new vines, rather than replacing whole plots. Once the famous botrytis, or noble rot, has made its appearance on the bunches, the grapes are picked by hand in several passes, only the most sugar-rich and aromatic berries being picked each time. 

Tasting Notes: 95% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc. A floral bouquet reveals fresh fruit, tropical fruit as well as notes of spice, wood, cinnamon, and vanilla. A fleshy, silky texture. Lovely freshness, a silky mid-palate, and a finish with good weight.

Reviews

This is very pure and clean with spices such as nutmeg and cloves, with cooked pear and apple. Medium to full body. Bright and crisp. Sweet, but not overdone. Racy young Sauternes. Drink or hold. ~94 James Suckling

Serious and elegant in the sensory profile showing notes of acacia, jasmine and gardenia. Full bodied, a decisive, well smoothed structure and an honest, smooth finale of optimum craftsmanship. Drink now or hold. ~93 Winescritic.com

Pale golden yellow, silver reflections. Subtle notes of tangerine zest, white tropical fruit, a touch of mango, subtle honey and oak. Medium bodied, an integrated fine fruit sweetness, subtle banana, clean, slightly loosely knit, ripe peaches, medium length, already developed. ~92 Falstaff

Medium yellow. Fine fragrance, shows herbs, citrus fruits, peach, apple, lemon pastry. Juicy on the palate, shows a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, the fruit is amazingly crisp, the finish is reminiscent of mango, pineapple and yellow peach. Balanced, but not particularly long. ~90-91 VertdeVin