CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE PEYRAGUEY
2017 1er Cru Classé Sauternes
The 2017 Lafaurie-Peyraguey feels quite reduced on the nose and does not quite provide the expression of its peers. The palate is fresh and energetic on the entry with plenty of botrytized fruit interlaced with orange rind and mandarin. I admire the linearity and focus of this Sauternes although it is clear that consumers will have to wait a little while for the aromatics to open. Drinking range: 2022 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)
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The assemblage in this vintage is 93% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle, with an alcohol of 14.1%, a residual sugar of 130 g/l and a total acidity of 3.8 g/l. This is classic Lafaurie-Peyraguey on the nose, very pure, filled with the scent of crushed mirabelle and yellow peach, a lychee and mango freshness, but also a very fine mineral vein. The palate follows this lead, with lots of creamed mirabelle and peach fruit, vanilla flower, with a quartzy minerality and fresh acidity, as well as the bitterness of the botrytis shining through. This has brilliant poise and freshness, and should age very well indeed. Excellent potential here, but as with this vintage in a very bright, strident style. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (May 2018)
The 2017 Lafaurie-Peyraguey gives up fresh lime and yuzu notions with hints of musk perfume and grapefruit peel. Quite zesty and intense in the mouth, it has a refreshing line supporting the rich fruit and a touch of earthiness to the finish. Rating: 92-94 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (Apr 2018)
Brought in exclusively by American merchant Jeffrey Davies, the 2017 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a powerhouse of a Sauternes based roughly on 95% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, all harvested between the 25th of September and the 12th of October. A huge bouquet of honeyed peach, citrus, and pineapple upside down cake is followed by a full-bodied, rich, concentrated effort that has the purity and freshness that’s the hallmark of the vintage. It’s a seriously good Sauternes. Tasted twice. Rating: 94-97 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Apr 2018)
This is very layered and beautiful with dried fruit such as lemons, apricots and cooked apples. Full body, sweet fruit and a long and flavorful finish. Tight and focused. Phenolic yet fresh. Crispy. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)
Bommes. 93% Sémillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Muscadelle. RS 130g/l, TA (sulphuric) 3.8 g/l. Intense, clean pear and citrus aroma. Much tighter in the mouth than many here, with real precision as well as excellent tangy lemon and orange zest. Long, spicy finish. Excellent balance Drinking range: 2025 - 2037 Rating: 17.5 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2018)
A plump, open and forward style, with lots of white peach, apricot and pineapple fruit flavors backed by creamed melon and honeysuckle notes. Very flattering. Rating: 92-95 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2018)
Château Lafaurie Peyraguey
Sauternes Premier Cru 1855 This was originally a fortification built at least as long ago as the 13th Century. By 1618, it was the home of Sieur Raymond Peyraguey. The vineyard business was developed by the Baron de Pichard, who bought the estate in 1742. Unfortunately for him, he lost his head in the Revolution and his château and vineyards were sold to a M. Lafaurie. The first half of the 19th Century saw Lafaurie-Peyraguey's reputation rise from nearly unknown to being ranked 3rd, behind ChâteauLa Tour Blanche and near neighbour Château d'Yquem in 1855. In 1879 a small portion of the estate was didvided off to become Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey. In 1917, Lafaurie-Peyraguey was bought by Désiré Cordier, who owned it until they sold to the Suez Group in 1984. The 40ha of vineyard are planted with 90% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The grapes are hand-picked and the wine fermented in wood, before ageing for 18 to 20 months.