1996 White Bordeaux

A superb year for Sauternes producers which has produced the richest and most complex wines since 1990.

Fluctuating weather conditions led to the first botrytis appearing on the grapes at the end of August. September proved to be a tricky month due to the rains but the weather cleared up at the end of the month and was ideal throughout most of October.

Plenty of ripe fruit and botrytis meant that the wines possess good structure and finesse with high levels of concentration, resulting in wines that will develop well for decades. Rieussec and Climens are both outstanding.