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Sauternes

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Sauternes
The Sauternes appellation is located on the left bank of the Garonne, 40 kilometers upstream from Bordeaux. Sauternes is one of Bordeaux's smallest appellations. It covers 5 communes: Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Fargues and Bommes. Sauternes is Bordeaux's most famous sweet wine AOC. The nectars it produces are appreciated the world over, and the terroir is home to such renowned crus as the famous Château d'Yquem, Château Gilette, Château Doisy Daëne, Château Les Justices, Château de Fargues, Château Guiraud, Château Suduirant and Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey.

The Sauternes vineyards are planted on a soil that harmoniously blends layers of silica, limestone and gravel. This region enjoys a microclimate that favors the development of noble rot. This microclimate, due to the Ciron, a tributary of the Garonne, brings morning fog in autumn, which is quickly dispelled by rays of sunshine. Covering an area of almost 1,770 hectares, annual production of Sauternes amounts to 34,000 hectolitres.

The Sauternes blend is largely dominated by Sémillon. Its partner is Sauvignon. Muscadelle sometimes adds a wild touch. The essential originality and the great secret of Sauternes wine is the harvesting of grapes preserved by Botrytis Cinerea. Botrytis Cinerea, a noble rot, gives the wine a high sugar potential, but develops gradually. This development requires the picker to make several passes to pick only the most rotten grapes. Harvesting can therefore take up to two months, in several passes. Certain production rules are imposed on winegrowers, such as the obligation to harvest by hand or to limit yields to 25 hectolitres per hectare. Together with the Botrytis results, this low yield means that our wines are always highly concentrated and rich.
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Château Suduiraut Sauternes 2013 - 1er Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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99/100 Yves Beck

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98/100 Le Figaro

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98/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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97/100 James Suckling

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96/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

sémillon
textured
delicious
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé

"Phenomenal according to James Suckling & Extraordinary according to Yves Beck!

"Dressed in sparkling gold, this 1ercru classé offers an already assertive bouquet that combines all the assets of a great Sauternes wine. Its sumptuous aromas of candied orange and mirabelle plum jam are underscored by a subtle, refined woodiness. After a dazzling attack, with mineral notes and surprising aromas of marron glacé, the palate asserts itself with its richness and finesse, combining opulence with elegance, with notes of quince, candied orange and melon. A very complete wine, with an assertive classicism, whose concentration guarantees a happy evolution". (Favorite du Guide Hachette des Vins - Edition 2017) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2010 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur (37,5cl)

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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99/100 Vert de Vin

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98/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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98/100 Yves Beck

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98/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

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97/100 James Suckling

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97/100 RVF

freshness
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
ready to drink
gourmet wine

"A prima ballerina of spellbinding delicacy and intensity!"

"Golden yellow color. Intense, fine, subtle, noble, fresh and complex nose. A touch of warm butter as it evolves in the glass. Meticulous on the attack, airy in the mid-palate, particularly aromatic, fat and melting, the wine gains a crazy energy between the middle and the finish. It's superb. It's superb. (Jean-Marc Quarin 2021) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2016 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur

100/100 RVF

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99/100 James Suckling

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98+/100 Robert Parker

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98/100 Vert de Vin

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97/100 Decanter

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97/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

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97/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

purity
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
to the top

"A legendary wine rated 100/100 by La RVF!

"A very classic Yquem. A breathtaking spectrum of floral aromas of honey, exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango and pineapple), caramel and marzipan. But none of this is too much. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and finely nuanced. Wonderful freshness and textural complexity, despite high concentration and extravagance. Very suave, sensual finish that goes on and on. To drink or to keep." (James Suckling 2019) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2019 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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98/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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98/100 RVF

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97/100 Decanter

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97/100 Yves Beck

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97/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

balanced
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
prestige

"Highly expressive, brilliant and absolutely balanced! ~ Favorite du Guide Hachette "

"Pale yellow color. Intense, fine, subtle, complex, deep and noble nose. This splendid aromatic ambience remains difficult to describe. The palate opens onto a world of airy subtlety. Very complex, silky, crystalline, the wine melts on the palate before offering, oh surprise, the roasted nobility of candied grapes on the finish. Impossible to spit out. (Jean-Marc Quarin 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Rieussec Sauternes 2007 - 1er Cru Classé

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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19/20 Decanter

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19/20 Jancis Robinson

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97/100 Wine Enthusiast

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96/100 Bettane & Desseauve

powerful
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
ready to drink

"One of the finest Sauternes with tremendous power and exemplary purity of fruit!"

"The château's square tower dominates a gravelly hilltop at the same height as its immediate neighbor, Yquem. Needless to say, the estate enjoys an exceptional terroir; for proof, just taste this remarkable 2007. Light in color, it develops a fine, powerful bouquet combining ripe grapes, apricot, broom and cinnamon with a touch of balsamic. Silky, round and rich, the palate finds its balance between liqueur and fresh menthol notes. Pair with veal chuck braised with orange and star anise". (Le Guide Hachette 2011) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Rieussec Sauternes 2017 - 1er Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5Wine rated 4.6/5

4.6/5 (5 reviews)

99/100 Yves Beck

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98/100 James Suckling

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97/100 Robert Parker

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97/100 Decanter

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97/100 Wine Enthusiast

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96-97/100 Vert de Vin

racy
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
haute couture

"Exceptional vintage rated 99/100!

"Golden yellow. Intense, complex bouquet! Obviously seductive, charming, but also convincing as it reveals itself with precision. Passion fruit, quince, candied orange and saffron. A sort of journey between sweetness and freshness. On the palate, Rieussec is racy, sweet, powerful, opulent and subtle. It couldn't be more paradoxical! What greatness, I have rarely tasted Rieussec so well... note that I always taste it well in fact, but this one is of a breed and sweetness so complementary to each other that the balance is perfect." (Yves Beck 2019)

Château Haut-Bergeron - Sauternes 2018

2*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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96/100 RVF

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93/100 Yves Beck

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93/100 Vert de Vin

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92/100 James Suckling

sémillon
candied fruit
liquoreux
guaranteed fun

"Certainly one of the best deals in Sauternes! ~ La RVF "

"Tradition is good, and it's rewarded once again here with this classic Sauternes, whose Favorite echoes those obtained on the 2011 and 2013 vintages. The nose exhales greedy candied and honeyed notes that find an intense extension in a broad, rich, warm, powerful palate, with an assertive liquorice character and a long, savory finish. Definitely character and potential". (Guide Hachette - Edition 2024)

Château Suduiraut Sauternes 2019 - 1er Cru Classé

98/100 RVF

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96-98/100 Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

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97/100 Vinous

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97/100 Yves Beck

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97/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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2*Étoiles Hachette

sémillon
generous
character
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé

"A very fine bottle with a strong character and exciting prospects ~Yves Beck "

"Suduiraut 2019 has a powerful nose, quite oaky at the moment, though there's plenty of packed fruit behind it. The palate is dense and intense, with layers of botrytized fruit, stem ginger and quince towards the persistent, refined finish. A broad-shouldered wine, but with class. Blind, I thought maybe it was the Yquem? No, it's its neighbor. (Vinous 2023) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Carmes de Rieussec Sauternes 2018 - Second Vin

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

90-91/100 James Suckling

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90/100 RVF

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89-91/100 Robert Parker

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89/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

sémillon
suave
creamy
Asian cuisine
liquoreux
second wine
immediate pleasure

"A timeless Domaines Barons de Rothschild".

"The pure, candied apricot nose of Carmes de Rieussec announces a fresh, ripe liqueur. A very smooth Sauternes, with a slightly sticky sensation. The finish is lively, with notes of candied lemon". (Le Guide de la Revue du Vin de France 2021) - A fine achievement for a 2nd wine, which will be a real pleasure to drink!

Château Sigalas Rabaud Sauternes 2012 - 1er Cru Classé (37,5cl)

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (2 reviews)

94/100 Le Figaro

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92/100 RVF

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17,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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16,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

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90/100 Decanter

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90/100 Vinous

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90/100 Wine Spectator

sémillon
balanced
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
ready to drink

"One of the best in this ready-to-drink vintage!

"Sigalas Rabaud 2012 has a lovely, very pure bouquet, with scents of white peach, quince and saffron. The palate is well balanced with a syrupy attack, good weight, density and fine acidity with much more botrytis towards the finish than the Château de Malle 2012. It's not a long-ageing wine, but it's definitely worth the detour." (Vinous 2013) - Ready to enjoy, this half-bottle liquoreux will be the ideal companion for your festive meals! - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 12 half-bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Haut Coustet - Sauternes 2020

92/100 RVF

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Médaille d'Or - Coup de cœur Terre de Vins

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1*Étoile Hachette

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Médaille d'Argent Vinalies Internationales - Paris

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Médaille d'or Concours de Bruxelles

generous
dense
candied fruit
prepared foods
liquoreux
top deal
guaranteed fun

"Crowned with success!

"This bottle is worthy of its very successful liqueur, with clear honeyed notes of pear, dried apricot and saffron. Dense, full-bodied and unctuous, the liqueur is warm with flavors of quince and roasted pineapple: a touch of ginger and white pepper adds a refreshing twist to the finish. Concentrated and smooth. A successful exercise on a 2020 that demanded skill". (Médaille d'Or & Favorite - Terre de Vins 2023) - Such a successful Sauternes at this price is a real achievement!

Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2020 - 1er Cru Classé Supérieur

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

100/100 RVF

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98/100 Yves Beck

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98/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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97/100 Vinous

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96/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Decanter

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96/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

purity
great care
refined
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
haute couture

"Delicious now despite age-old aging potential!"

"Its intense perfume explores a register of candied orange, with a fine pastry note. This vintage was aged 3 months longer than previous vintages, for a total of 24 months. As a result, the fruit and wood duo is more melted and better integrated. Pure and dense, the liqueur seems to be poised with fine bitters. A liqueur that's full and bright, yet intense and digestible. A great Sauternes that should be drunk young for pleasure alone, despite its age-old ageing potential". (La Revue du Vin de France 2023) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Guiraud Sauternes 2017 - 1er Cru Classé

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (3 reviews)

98/100 Yves Beck

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95-96/100 Vert de Vin

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95/100 James Suckling

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95/100 Vinous

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95/100 Wine Enthusiast

full
rich
foie gras
liquoreux
grand cru classé
1er cru classé
strong personality

"What a great success!

"Complex, refreshing bouquet of mirabelle plums, pineapple and green apples. The nose also reveals notes of caramel and nougat. On the palate, there's breed, tension and freshness, but also fatness and density. The persistent finish is ideally supported by the structure. What strength of character and what pleasing prospects. Guiraud 2017 is one of Sauternes' greatest successes of 2017 ". (Yves Beck 2020) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château d'Arche Sauternes 2018 - Grand Cru Classé

1*Étoile Hachette

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94/100 Decanter

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90/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

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90/100 James Suckling

ample
yellow fruits
fruit tart
liquoreux
grand cru classé

"A beautiful 2018 with an elegant, brilliant golden color. Still rather restrained in its aromatic expression, it awakens with aeration to delicate candied flavors, toned in a full, tender and suave mouth by a beautiful vivacity, a guarantee of long ageing." (Guide Hachette des Vins Édition 2022) - Wooden crate delivery on orders of 6 bottles of this wine (excluding Point Relais delivery).

Château Le Tertre du Lys d'Or Sauternes 2018

sémillon
honeyed notes
foie gras
liquoreux
exclusive

"Its superb liquid gold color heralds a well-typed wine. The first scents of candied fruit: apricot, orange mingle with nuances of brioche bread. On the palate, in conjunction with great power, it reveals aromas of fruit jelly, quince and fig, followed by a sensation of toast. This presence continues long into an elegant finish, concluding the sensation of fullness andbalance between richness and acidity. A fine botrytized wine". (Maison de Luze)