2008 Ch. Doisy-Védrines, Sauternes

Owner and winemaker Olivier Castéja says that the direction the wind is blowing at harvest is a good indication of the quality of the vintage; if you can hear the train it signifies that the wind is blowing from the west and conditions are likely to be dry, if you can hear the motorway to the east, then bad weather could be on its way. Fortunately in 2008, the only sound to be heard during the harvest was the train clattering along the railway track to the west, and the weather was warm, fine and dry throughout.

Exceptionally low yields (just 15 hl/ha) have resulted in ripe apricot and honeysuckle flavours with juicy, dried apricot fruit and a glorious, glycerol texture. This is elegant and fine with lovely crisp acidity in perfect balance with the sugar. Just a smidgen off the incredible 2007 perhaps, but a thoroughly fine addition to your cellar all the same.

Exceptionally low yields (just 15 hl/ha) have resulted in ripe apricot and honeysuckle flavours with juicy, dried apricot fruit and a glorious, glycerol texture. This is elegant and fine with lovely crisp acidity in perfect balance with the sugar. Just a smidgen off the incredible 2007 perhaps, but a thoroughly fine addition to your cellar all the same.

This has a well-defined nose of honey, white flowers and a touch of chalk dust – not the usual “fat” Doisy-Vedrines bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied, nice balance on the entry, good acidity, well-integrated oak, lacking a little weight and depth on the finish, but showing a nice degree of subtlety and grace.
(Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Apr 09)

Lemon and melon character, with a citrus peel and candied fruit character.
(2008 Sauternes & Barsac - James Suckling - Wine Spectator - Apr 09)