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 2023 Suduiraut is pure Sémillon that was picked from the end of September with more passerillage berries. After the rain, the first botrytis picking began on October 1 and lasted over the next 12The 2023 Suduiraut is pure Sémillon that was picked from the end of September with more passerillage berries. After the rain, the first botrytis picking began on October 1 and lasted over the next 12 days, when botrytization was rapid. Seventy percent of the crop was picked on this date, which was essential for maintaining purity of fruit. The harvest concluded on October 17 after three tries through the vineyard. Matured in 50% new oak, it has a lovely, beguiling bouquet with dried honey, quince, almond and saffron aromas that are beautifully defined. The palate is well balanced with a spicy, tensile opening. Very impressive richness matches with a silver bead of acidity here. This is armed with immense purity on the finish that effortlessly manages the 150g/L residual sugar. Supremely gifted Suduiraut, ahoy. Drinking range: 2027 - 2070 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU COUTET 1er Cru Classé Barsac
Release date: 6/5/2024
The 2023 Coutet is stellar. Soaring aromatics and bright acids drive through a core of lemon confit, apricot, mint, spice, passion fruit and pineapple. The interplay of deep, layered flavors andThe 2023 Coutet is stellar. Soaring aromatics and bright acids drive through a core of lemon confit, apricot, mint, spice, passion fruit and pineapple. The interplay of deep, layered flavors and energy is so compelling. Drinking range: 2028 - 2048 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU DOISY VÉDRINES 2ème Cru Classé Barsac
Release date: 3/5/2024
A focused and pure Sauternes with sliced-apricot and orange character, as well as apple pie and light caramel. Spicy. Medium-bodied, sweet and flavorful. Very pretty and true.A focused and pure Sauternes with sliced-apricot and orange character, as well as apple pie and light caramel. Spicy. Medium-bodied, sweet and flavorful. Very pretty and true. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)
In Bond
In Bond
2023 CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE PEYRAGUEY 1er Cru Classé Sauternes
Release date: 29/4/2024
The 2023 Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a classy, bracing dry white from Silvio Denz. Sauvignon Blanc takes the lead. Lime, sage, tomato leaf and white pepper notes abound in this dynamic, flavorful white.The 2023 Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a classy, bracing dry white from Silvio Denz. Sauvignon Blanc takes the lead. Lime, sage, tomato leaf and white pepper notes abound in this dynamic, flavorful white. Drinking range: 2025 - 2033 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.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