Sauternes & Barsac
We will as usual be offering halves of Sauternes and Barsac in cases of 12 at the same price as the 6 bottle cases of 75cl., you just need to specify on your wishlist request at the time of ordering.
The sheer concentration of the 2023 Sauternes is staggering. If you read my vintage report, you will know that the vintage was the hottest and wettest for a long time – two factors which combined to create a huge challenge for the red wine producing properties, but in Sauternes, where botrytis cinerea, of ‘noble rot’ is essential for making great wine, this combination was harmonious.
These present a foil, in a way, to the rest of the region as they are incredibly dense and powerful. Those who have managed to retain their acidity, have made some of the best, most age worthy sweet wines you will ever taste.
Please note that we can source wines in any format if offered by the Château. Just indicate which size you would like in your wishlist order form or email us with a specific request. Bottling charges do apply so please see our Terms for more details.
L&S Recommendations
L&S 'best buy' recommendations are marked with this symbol 
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2023 CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT 1er Cru Classé Sauternes
Release date: 17/5/2024
The purity of the botrytis grabs your attention, with density and intensity to the dried fruit, sweetness and length. Very spicy and long. Almost oily. Really rich. 150g/L residual sugar. 100%The purity of the botrytis grabs your attention, with density and intensity to the dried fruit, sweetness and length. Very spicy and long. Almost oily. Really rich. 150g/L residual sugar. 100% semillon. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU COUTET 1er Cru Classé Barsac
Release date: 6/5/2024
The 2023 Coutet has a tightly-wound bouquet that demands more coaxing than its peers. It typically already possesses laser-sharp focus and is less flamboyant than fellow Barsacs, underpinned andThe 2023 Coutet has a tightly-wound bouquet that demands more coaxing than its peers. It typically already possesses laser-sharp focus and is less flamboyant than fellow Barsacs, underpinned and sharpened by its limestone soils. The palate is well balanced with intense botrytised fruit, lightly spiced dried honey and orange rind notes, just a hint of apricot in the background, stretching out on the finish that lingers on the tongue. I am not sure it is the best Coutet in recent years, but it is certainly a very fine contribution to the vintage that should age well in bottle. Drinking range: 2028 - 2060 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU DOISY VÉDRINES 2ème Cru Classé Barsac
Release date: 3/5/2024
The 2023 Doisy-Védrines is floral, elegant and classy. Jasmine, orange confit, mint, chamomile and lightly honeyed, floral overtones all grace this utterly exquisite, beguiling Barsac. Terrific.The 2023 Doisy-Védrines is floral, elegant and classy. Jasmine, orange confit, mint, chamomile and lightly honeyed, floral overtones all grace this utterly exquisite, beguiling Barsac. Terrific. Drinking range: 2028 - 2053 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE PEYRAGUEY 1er Cru Classé Sauternes
Release date: 29/4/2024
Intense golden amber in colour, reflecting a small yield, this has the rich intensity of the appellation, succulent and opulent and yet bursting with powerful lime zest, orange peel, preservedIntense golden amber in colour, reflecting a small yield, this has the rich intensity of the appellation, succulent and opulent and yet bursting with powerful lime zest, orange peel, preserved lemons, white truffle, pineapple, mandarin peel and slate. Luscious with grip and lift, and a clear return to form after a challenging 2022 here. Now majority owned by the Lalique luxury goods company rather than its owner Silvio Denz, with the sale completed in October 2023 (the same group owns The Glenturret whisky). Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 L'EXTRAVAGANT DE CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE 2ème Cru Classé Barsac
Release date: 29/4/2024
This is 100% Semillon. A beautifully pure nose, with pure white peach, sweet lemon peel and crushed minerals, with a white freesia purity. The fruit complexity comes through on the finish, allThis is 100% Semillon. A beautifully pure nose, with pure white peach, sweet lemon peel and crushed minerals, with a white freesia purity. The fruit complexity comes through on the finish, all beautiful sweet honeysuckle, orange, verbena, with great intensity and drive, as well as fresh veins of bitterness and acidity, This is a superb example of Extravagant, which with its pure Semillon DNA is really suited to an intensely fresh vintage such as this. A stunning wine, with real energy in the finish, and great length too. Rating: 95-97 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (May 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU DOISY DAËNE 2ème Cru Classé Barsac
Release date: 29/4/2024
Tasted in a line-up of other 2023s the Doisy Daëne stood tall for its fresh lines and neatly tucked up fruit. There is richness, a delicious citrus marmalade - that sits up well, with perkuy notes ofTasted in a line-up of other 2023s the Doisy Daëne stood tall for its fresh lines and neatly tucked up fruit. There is richness, a delicious citrus marmalade - that sits up well, with perkuy notes of apricot too. But the real charm here is the lift. A bright line keeps this interesting and lighter on its toes than many. Sophisticated and charming.L&S (Apr 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD 1er Cru Classé Sauternes
Release date: 29/4/2024
A blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. A very fresh, bright and limpid style on the nose, all delicate white peach and crushed white pebbles, with a touch of white pepper, perhapsA blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc. A very fresh, bright and limpid style on the nose, all delicate white peach and crushed white pebbles, with a touch of white pepper, perhaps reflecting the freshness of the vintage as well as the Sauvignon component. The palate shows a charming viscosity, with plenty of mineral energy and drive, the acidity cutting through the sweetness of the palate with ease. Great structure here, also tension, minerality and drive. This is a quite brilliant young Guiraud. Do I sense a change in direction here? Of course I do – the estate is now under the direction of Sandrine Garbay, previously of Yquem, and this certainly has more tension and elegance than I am used to finding in Guiraud. The residual sugar is 130 g/l, and the alcohol is 13.8%. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (May 2024)
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU SIGALAS RABAUD 1er Cru Classé Sauternes
This has a sweet spiced-pear, apple-tart and light honey character. Sweet, medium-bodied palate and a salty, spicy finish. Fresh and balanced.This has a sweet spiced-pear, apple-tart and light honey character. Sweet, medium-bodied palate and a salty, spicy finish. Fresh and balanced. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond