Château d'Yquem Sauternes
Château d'Yquem is the indisputable worlds greatest sweet wine. This fact was known when the original 1855 classification of Sauternes was released and saw Château d'Yquem given a category all on its own, premier grand cru, which it still holds. Since 1593, only two families have owned the prestigious Château that sits in a commanding, fortress like, position overlooking most of Sauternes. Only highly skilled and permananent workers tend the vineyards that produce fruit of compelling concentration and intensity. The resulting wines can begin to be enjoyed after seven or eight years, but in good years, like the 2000 vintage, the wine can last much, much longer.
Château Rieussec Sauternes
Château Reissec is a classic Château that sits high on one of the most elevated sites in Sauternes. The classic Château have produced wines of extreme elegance that are highly regarded of the best of the region. Less unctuous as others, Rieussec have outstanding bouquet, defined individuality and breathtaking concentration of flavour.
Château Suduiraut Sauternes
Château Suduiraut is ranked a Premier Cru Classé (First Growth) in the original Bordeuax Classification of 1855. Situated in the famous Sauternes appellation the estate produces exceptional sweet whites simply overflowing with concentration and power, wines that rival their illustrious neighbor Château d'Yquem. The 1970 vintage contains a firm texture backed by excellent acidity. The finish is clean and fresh with its tang enhancing the flavours of a wine now at its peak.
Château de Fargues Sauternes
An ancient winery within the legendary region of Sauternes in Bordeaux's south, Château de Fargues uses minimal intervention to produce their wine of great concentration. The '75 showcases its evolved characteristics, displaying a bouquet of apricots, honeycomb, coconuts and lemon zest lead to a flavour focused palate and lingering finish.
Chateau Guiraud 1er cru classe
Château Guiraud is a large Sauternes property that is the only 1er Cru Classé, with the exception of its illustrious neighbour Château d`Yquem, that is located within the commune of Sauternes itself. Guiraud's 85 hectares of vineyards are located on one of the hills above the village of Sauternes. They are planted with 65% Sémillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are harvested in "tries" and the juice is then fermented in oak barrels. The wine is then aged in oak casks (50% new) for 2 years. Guiraud is a very ambitious property with aspirations to produce a wine that will one day rival d`Yquem. The wines are astonishingly rich, especially in light of the high proportion of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, and are undoubtedly amongst the finest wines being produced in Sauternes today.
Chateau Rieussec 1er cru classe
Since 1984 Château Rieussec has been the Sauternes property of the Rothschild family, owners of Chateau Lafite. Rieussec, a neighbour of Chateau dYquem, had for generations been a leading producer and was ranked Premier Cru in 1855. Even so, under Rothschild ownership the property has been transformed, with new cellars and winery and far more rigorous grape selection (plus greater use of barrel fermentation and maturation) for the flagship Grand Vin. This has led to Rieussecs clear emergence as a rival to its famous neighbour. Chateau Rieussec is 90% Semillon, with minor contributions from Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The property is 110ha with 68ha under vine.
Chateau d'Yquem 1er cru superieur
Incredibly opulent and rich, Château d'Yquem is widely considered the greatest sweet wine in the world. Currently owned by LVMH, this prestigious Sauternes estate is at the very top of the appellations classification, designated 1er Cru Classé Supérieur. Château dYquems 110 ha of vineyards are planted to 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The Grand Vin is produced from only fully botrytised fruit, carefully hand-harvested over successive passes by a team of highly skilled pickers. Yields are tiny, with each vine producing just one glass of wine. Fermentation takes place in 100% new oak barriques followed by up to 36 months maturation in oak. A wine of exceptional intensity and complexity, the best vintages of Château d'Yquem are capable of aging gracefully for well over 50 years.