SAUTERNES/BARSAC · LEFT BANK

Sauternes is where arguably the word's finest sweet white wines are produced. The Sauternes appellation actually consists of 5 communes; Barsac, Preignac, Bommes, Fargues and Sauternes itself. Barsac is also an appellation in its own right. Sauternes literally has an atmosphere different from any of the other major communes. At the southern tip of the Graves, close to the Garonne, not only is the land hillier and decidedly more bucolic, but it also enjoys a specific mesoclimate of evening autumn mists which linger until well into the following day unless burnt off by warm sunshine. The mists are caused by the cool spring-fed waters of the Ciron River meeting the warmer tidal Garonne and the result is an ideal environment for the growth of the mould botrytis cinerea. When its arrival is felicitous, it feeds on the water in the ripe grapes, dehydrating them and leaving sweet, shriveled fruit. Barsac has marginally flatter land and soils of red sand and light gravels, and the Barsac commune adjoins the northern boundary of the commune of Sauternes, separated by the Ciron river, whose cold waters are so instrumental in producing the region's necessary autumn fogs. There are just over 800 hectares under vine, producing nearly two million bottles in an average year. The châteaux's can choose to sell their wine under either the Sauternes or the Barsac appellation but stylistically the wines are arguably a little lighter in style than those of Sauternes.

2022 CHÂTEAU COUTET
· BARSAC-SAUTERNES   PREMIER GRAND CRU CLASSÉ
· CERTIFIED ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCER
+813901 · 12x375ml
Website

94% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Muscadelle.
Residual Sugar: 158 g/L.
The 2022 Coutet has a beautifully-defined nose with pure botrytised fruit: tangerine, saffron, honeysuckle and orange rind hints. This has impressive focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, fine acidity, pure and harmonious. A tensile and persistent finish drags you back for another sip. Superb.
Chateau Coutet can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics. Chateau Coutet can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Coutet.

STATUS: OPEN
TA: 96 || WS: 95 || VN: 95 || RP: 94+ || JS: 94 || DC: 94 || NM: 94 || JR: 17+

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2008 CHÂTEAU COUTET
· BARSAC-SAUTERNES AOC
· HVE3 CERTIFICATION
+813901 · 12x375ml
Website

75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon, 2% Muscadelle.
The 2008 Chateau Coutet Sauternes-Barsac is a stunning dessert wine that exemplifies the quality of this prestigious appellation. It combines richness and elegance, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, fruity, and spicy elements. This wine has excellent aging potential, but it's already a remarkable experience for those who appreciate the magic of Sauternes and Barsac dessert wines.
Chateau Coutet can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics. Chateau Coutet can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Coutet.

STATUS: OPEN
NM: 92 || JL: 91 || VN: 90+ || WS: 90 || WE: 90 || JMQ: 90 || JR: 16.5

VINTAGE NOTES:
08

2022 CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE BLANC
· BARSAC AOC · BORDEAUX BLANC
· ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VITICULTURE
+772599 · 12x750ml
Website

100% Sauvignon Blanc.
Pale lemon color with aromas of stone, tropical and citrus fruit with floral and honey oak. On the palate flavors of pear, apple, peach, and lemon curd, slight notes of botrytis with oak wrapped in balanced acidity. Long finish ending with a chalky zesty mineral and bread character.
Serve with salmon with bearnaise sauce; lobster-mushroom risotto; Fettuccine with shrimp & lemon; Vegetarian curry.

STATUS: OPEN
DC: 95 || JA: 95 || WS: 93 || RP: 93 || JS: 93 || JMQ: 89
#83, Top 100 Wines of 2024 - Wine Spectator - December 2024

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2009 CHÂTEAU DOISY VEDRINES
· BARSAC AOC   2ND GRAND CRU CLASSE
· SUSTAINABLE VITICULTURE
+126015 · 6x750ml
Website

85% Semillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc.
Residual Sugar: 145 g/L.
Doisy-Védrines 2009 is a wine of exceptional character and finesse. Its appearance graces the glass with a beautiful golden hue, offering a glimpse of the richness that awaits. The nose is a captivating bouquet, where the fragrance is a delightful fusion of ripe tropical fruits, honeyed sweetness, and delicate floral hints. This aromatic symphony promises an enchanting sensory journey. On the palate, the wine unfolds with a lush and velvety texture, embodying the essence of dulcet sophistication. The taste is a harmonious marriage of the honeyed sweetness that characterizes it, balanced by a vibrant acidity that lends freshness and structure. As the journey culminates, the finish is a lingering testament to its elegance, leaving behind a delightful and memorable impression.
Fruit Desserts, Creamy Desserts, Patés, Blue Cheese. Chateau Doisy Védrines can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Védrines.

STATUS: OPEN
NM: 95 || TA: 95 || WS: 94 || RP: 93 || WE: 93 || JL: 92 || JR: 16.5

VINTAGE NOTES:
09

2022 CHÂTEAU d'YQUEM
· SAUTERNES AOC  PREMIER CRU SUPERIEUR
· SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - NOT CERTIFIED
+127006 · 6x375ml
+801779 · 3x750ml
+845043 · 6x750ml · SOLD OUT
+886684 · 3x375ml
Website

80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc.
The Château d'Yquem 2022 charms from the first nose with its aromatic intensity, marrying pear and lemon to orange marmalade. Delicate notes of linden, frangipani and lily of the valley bring a touch of finesse, while a subtle nuance of almond perfects this gourmet bouquet, announcing a rich and generous palate. From the attack, it seduces with its liveliness and its aromas evoking apricot jam. Its dense and creamy texture envelops the palate, revealing nuances of beeswax, caramel and quince paste. Its finish, marked by a saline touch and subtle bitters, sublimates the intensity of the candied bitter orange.
Château d'Yquem 2021 will go wonderfully with starters such as foie gras or scallops fried in vanilla and lemon butter, as well as dishes such as tuna tartar or cod fillet. It can also accompany meats such as Wagyu beef, roast chicken, or duck breast, because let's not forget that Yquem is a world of complexity.

STATUS: OPEN
JS: 100 || JL: 100 || RP: 98 || NM: 98 || JMQ: 98 || WS: 97 || JR: 18+

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2021 CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM
· SAUTERNES AOC  PREMIER CRU SUPERIEUR
· SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - NOT CERTIFIED
+125627 · 6x750ml
+801780 · 6x375ml
Website

65% Sémillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc.
Residual sugar: 148 g/L
Yquem tells a unique story... It starts with the bouquet. Although not always very outgoing in young vintages, it is marked by fruit (apricot, mandarin, and occasionally tropical fruit) and oak (vanilla and toasty aromas). Older vintages, on the other hand, have an extraordinarily complex fragrance as soon as the bottle is opened, with hints of dried fruit (dried apricot, prune, stewed fruit, and marmalade), spice (cinnamon, saffron, and liquorice), and even flowers (lime blossom, etc.). The first impression of Château d'Yquem on the palate is always very silky, and often sumptuous. It then fills out, "coating the palate". This fine wine has a strong, but never overbearing character, with great elegance and poise. It always maintains a balance between sugar and acidity (sweetness and freshness). A touch of bitterness can also contribute to the overall harmony. Château d'Yquem's aftertaste is legendary, and it tells another story, which lasts and lasts.
Château d'Yquem 2021 will go wonderfully with starters such as foie gras or scallops fried in vanilla and lemon butter, as well as dishes such as tuna tartar or cod fillet. It can also accompany meats such as Wagyu beef, roast chicken, or duck breast, because let's not forget that Yquem is a world of complexity.

STATUS: OPEN
JS: 100 || JA: 98 || JL: 98 || RP: 97 || JMQ: 97 || NM: 96 || VN: 96 || JR: 19

VINTAGE NOTES:
21

2019 CHÂTEAU D'YQUEM
· SAUTERNES AOC  PREMIER CRU SUPERIEUR
· SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES - NOT CERTIFIED
+845042 · 3x750ml
+886682 · 6x375ml
Website

55% Sémillon, 45% Sauvignon Blanc.
Residual Sugar: 138 g/L.
The Château d’Yquem 2019 vintage is a fragrant and vibrant release with a surprisingly high (45%) proportion of Sauvignon Blanc. “Sauvignon Blanc brings more acidity and freshness, so is helpful for balancing the opulence of the Sémillon,” says Yquem cellar master Sandrine Garbay. "With its lovely golden color, this vintage is characterized by floral, slightly lemony notes(verbena), giving it an airy quality. It is strikingly fresh, with hints of apricot and peach. The palate is full and voluptuous. A very fine expression of a perfectly mastered botrytis, which has enhanced the Sauvignon Blanc grapes, representing an exceptional 45% of the blend. The 2019 vintage has all the components to seduce in its youth and will travel through time beautifully!"
Serve with Foie gras, terrines, blue cheese, tarte tatin, crepes Suzette or duck with orange, but it will also be perfect for peach and apricot pies, cooked apples, creme brûlée with candied fruit, caramel cream and orange and pineapple parfait.

STATUS: OPEN
VN: 98 || JL: 98 || NM: 98 || RP: 97+ || WS: 97 || JA: 97 || DC: 97 || JMQ: 97

VINTAGE NOTES:
19

2020 CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD
· SAUTERNES AOC  PREMIER GRAND CRU CLASSE
· CERTIFIED ORGANIC
+758861 · 12x375ml
Website

65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc.
Residual Sugar: 134 g/L.
The nose releases a refreshing fruity framework conferred by the first selection made in mid-September to tasty candied notes from the two botrytised selections at the end of October. A fruity (exotic fruit) and floral attack give way to a dense and perfectly balanced palate.
Chateau Guiraud can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics. It can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal and pork dishes that are either spicy, or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings.

STATUS: OPEN
JMQ: 95 || TA: 95 || NM: 95 || DC: 94 || JA: 94 || JL: 94 || WS: 92 || RP: 92

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2020 CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD GRAND VIN BLANC
· SAUTERNES AOC  2ND WINE
· CERTIFIED ORGANIC (2011)
+870796 · 6x750ml
Website

70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon.
A new wine from this estate and the inaugural vintage, the 2020 Château Guiraud Blanc Sec saw partial malolactic fermentation and spent 12 months in barrels. It shows a medium gold hue as well as a bright, crisp, yet still rich bouquet of caramelized Meyer lemons, lime, toasted break, white flowers, and some classic chalky, mineral-like nuances. Beautiful on the palate as well, it has a layered, medium-bodied, nicely concentrated mouthfeel, good acidity, and a clean finish. It's a richer yet balanced and still lively white that's going to shine on the dinner table.
We recommend this wine for asparagus-based dishes, fish and lobster terrines, shellfish, and olives. It is also delicious as an aperitif, with fresh cheese and goat cheese.

STATUS: OPEN
JS: 92

VINTAGE NOTES:
20

2022 CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT
· BARSAC-SAUTERNES AOC
· HVE3 CERTIFICATION
+786018 · 12x375ml
Website

100% Sémillon.
Residual Sugar: 194 g/l
The 2022 Suduiraut is pale to medium lemon-straw in color. The nose is not at all shy, bounding from the glass with exuberant notes of peach preserves, orange marmalade, lime blossoms, and candied ginger, giving way to suggestions of spice cake and honeycomb with a waft of toasted almonds. The big, rich, full-on decadent palate delivers profound stone and tropical fruit layers with compelling tension and texture, finishing very long and hedonically alluring.
Chateau Suduiraut can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty, and savory characteristics. Chateau Suduiraut can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Suduiraut.

STATUS:OPEN
JS: 99 || JL: 99 || NM: 96 || VN: 96 || JMQ: 96 || WS: 95 || RP: 95 || DC: 95 || JA: 92 || TA: 92 || JR: 19

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2016 CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT
· BARSAC-SAUTERNES AOC
· HVE3 CERTIFICATION
+864618 · 12x375ml
Website

http://www.suduiraut.com/en/.
Château Suduiraut 2016 reveals a fine golden colour, at first the nose is fresh and delicate. Initially marked by notes of fruit such as yellow peach, candied apricot, and kumquat, it leads into aromas from barrel ageing like vanilla, light caramel, and spices. On airing, floral, and spicy fragrances develop, rose and curry. The attack is soft and fresh. The palate is smooth and velvety with aromas of red fruit, orange, and candied pineapple. The finish perpetuates this fresh and elegant mouthfeel. It is invigorated by spices, candied fruit, acacia honey and liquorice. Château Suduiraut 2016 is still very young, but it displays an appealing and very elegant character that already make it most enjoyable. It benefits from great ageing potential.
Chateau Suduiraut can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty, and savory characteristics. Chateau Suduiraut can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Suduiraut.

STATUS: OPEN
VN: 97 || RP: 95+ || JS: 95 || TA: 95 || WS: 93 || JMQ: 94 || NM: 92+ || JR: 18

VINTAGE NOTES:
16

2022 CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT VIEILLES VIGNES
· BARSAC-SAUTERNES AOC · BORDEAUX BLANC
· HVE3 CERTIFICATION
+881250 · 6x750ml
Website

55% Sémillon, 45% Sauvignon Blanc.
Château Suduiraut Vieilles Vignes 2022 reveals a fairly dense yellow color. The floral and mineral nose offers aromas of white-fleshed fruits, citron, and menthol as well as a woody touch. The attack is ample, the unctuous mouth reflects flavors of ripe yellow fruits, pear and wood spices. The finish is long, mineral, with notes of toasted hazelnut. A wine in the making that reflects the power of the vintage.
Poultry: roast turkey with morel mushrooms, duck with peaches or orange, roast poultry, curried chicken.
Shellfish: lobster with ginger, prawns in Thai sauce.
Cheeses: roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert, Chaource, ripe pressed cooked cheeses (Comté, Beaufort, Ossau-Iraty, etc.).
Desserts: Tarte Tatin, apricot tart, apple pie, walnut cake, almond financier, cannelés bordelais, fresh or caramelised pineapple, marinated oranges

STATUS: OPEN
JS: 94 || VN: 94 || RP: 93 || DC: 93 || JA: 93 || JMQ: 93 || JL: 92 || WS: 91

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2023 CLOS DES LUNES LUNE D'ARGENT
· SAUTERNES AOC · BORDEAUX BLANC
· CONVERSION TO ORGANIC - STARTED IN 2023
+831562 · 12x750ml
Website

70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc.
Lune d’Argent is the heart of Clos des Lunes’ production. They firmly believe in the future of this legendary terroir and its truly original style. With a touch of French oak, the Sémillon is dense and rich, the Sauvignon Blanc refined and precise. This cuvée of dry white wine promises to convey all the magic of Sauternes. The fresh, floral sweetness of Sémillon in its preferred terroir, combined with a generous touch of Sauvignon Blanc for liveliness and brightness, is a unique epicurean sensation! Spring white flowers and citrus zest are expressed with purity. Full, intense palate with controlled power. The vibrant, savory acidity balances the overall effect. A refined finish.
This wine pairs well with seafood, especially oysters, crab, and grilled fish. It also complements goat cheese, light salads, and dishes with citrus-based sauces. Serve at 10°C.

STATUS: OPEN
DC: 93 || JA: 92 || TA: 92 || JL: 91

VINTAGE NOTES:
23

2023 LES LIONS DE SUDUIRAUT
· SAUTERNES - BORDEAUX BLANC
· HVE3 CERTIFICATION
+883825 · 6x750ml
Website

57% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Sauvignon Gris.
A pale yellow colour, Lions de Suduiraut Blanc Sec 2023 presents an open nose on white flowers and citrus fruits, then with aeration it evolves towards notes of passion fruit and a mineral touch. The attack is round and fresh, the delicious mid-palate reveals flavours of pink pomelo, pear and toasted hazelnut. The finish is persistent and saline with aromas of hazelnut and pear. A generous wine with good freshness.
Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings.

STATUS: OPEN
JS: 93 || VN: 92 || JMQ: 92 || DC: 91 || JL: 91 || TA: 91 || RP: 89

VINTAGE NOTES:
23

2022 OPALIE DU CHÂTEAU COUTET
· BARSAC-SAUTERNES   BORDEAUX BLANC
· CERTIFIED ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCER
+756475 · 6x750ml
Website

93% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Semillon
Opalie de Château Coutet is as precious as the mineral from which it derives its name and its character. A wonderful and rare treat, it is made in small quantities for discerning wine-lovers. From the heart of the Château Coutet vineyard, Opalie stands out for its unique elegance combined with the richness and minerality of its terroir. With each new vintage, it asserts its claim to be the outstanding Barsac dry white wine.
Chateau Coutet can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics. Chateau Coutet can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness. Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Chateau Coutet.

STATUS: OPEN
DC: 94 || JA: 94 || TA: 90 || NM: 90

VINTAGE NOTES:
22

2019 OPALIE DE CHATEAU COUTET
· SAUTERNES - BORDEAUX BLANC
· HVE3 CERTIFICATION
+883826 · 6x750ml
Website

55% Semillon, 45% Sauvignon.
Nose marked by aromas of lime, grapefruit, as well as smoky notes. On the palate the attack is very fresh, in line with Coutet’s signature style. The mid-palate is powerful, oily and the wine offers a mineral touch on the finish.
Chateau Coutet can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty, and savory characteristics. Chateau Coutet can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness.

STATUS: OPEN
JA: 93 || JMQ: 92 || WS: 91

VINTAGE NOTES:
19

2023 PETIT GUIRAUD
· BARSAC · 2ND WINE
· CERTIFIED ORGANIC (2011)
+758872 · 12x375ml
Website

65% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc.
Ageing in vats and barrels for 12 months. A lovely, well-balanced nose of candied pineapple, roasted apricot, peach, and aromatic herb notes.. The palate offers delicate menthol aromas and is slightly honeyed with a pleasant tropical fruit acidity. A fresh, balanced wine, with delicate, lingering flavours.
Quail, roasted poultry with figs. Perfect to pair with soft cheeses and a cured ham like a prosciutto for a great contrast of salty and sweet. Light desserts. It is perfect with roasted trout with ginger pear, a vegetable salad with beetroot, or an asparagus salad with quinoa.

STATUS: OPEN
WS: 89

VINTAGE NOTES:
23

2021 R DE RIEUSSEC
· SAUTERNES AOC  PREMIER CRU SUPERIEUR
· CONVERSION TO ORGANIC - STARTED IN 2021
+880795 · 6x750ml
Website

59% Sauvignon Blanc, 41% Sémillon.
Expressive, complex nose underscored by a lovely freshness, characteristic of this 2021 vintage. Some notes of tropical fruit in the initial nose, predominantly passion fruit, followed by floral notes with a hint of aniseed, suggesting fennel and tarragon. The wine’s minerality and concentration are already apparent in the nose. On the palate, the attack is round and full, with subtle notes of fresh butter. This is followed by superb notes of freshly cut wood which contribute to the wine’s concentration and purity. A sensation of minerality underscores the entire palate, with warm notes of flint, reminiscent of summer walks on the pebbles at Etretat beach. The finish is concentrated and long, balanced by a pleasant hint of bitterness.
R de Rieussec can be served with Pork, Vegetarian dishes, Poultry, Appetizers & snacks, lean fish. Also, pair with dover sole or fresh oysters on the half shell. Serve at 10-12°C.

STATUS: OPEN
DC: 93 || JA: 93 || RP: 90

VINTAGE NOTES:
21