2005 White Bordeaux

Following on from its fabulous 2004, Domaine de Chevalier's 2005 reinforces its reputation as not only one of the best dry whites in Bordeaux, but one of the best in the world. With all the intensity, complexity and texture of a top Grand Cru White Burgundy, this starts slowly but explodes on the palate in a cornucopia of exotic citrus and minerals. Made from 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon the fruit is incredibly elegant but very rich, and the balance of firm acidity indicates a very long and happy life ahead.  Production here is tiny (only 1000 cases) so we advise getting in quick!

This is another mouthwateringly good effort from Ch. Coutet. One of the classics of the region Coutet has once again provided a model of elegance and balance and style in 2005. Discreet and stylish, the fine pale colour and graceful, aromatic floral bouquet are supported by a beautifully harmonious palate of pure sweet citrus, peach and honeysuckle. As with the finest red wines of the vintage, the class really shows on the finish, which is intense, complex and exceptionally long. A wonderful Sauternes for the true connoisseur.

This AXA-owned property carries 90% Sémillon in the vineyard, which informs the assertive style associated with Ch. Suduiraut. Given that the extremely warm finish to the 2005 vintage also produced exceptionally ripe fruit and high levels of botrytis, the danger existed at Suduiraut for a fulsome, heavy-boned Sauternes. Nothing could be further from the truth. A beautiful bouquet of honeysuckle and orange blossom greets you, fresh, intense and lively. The palate is rounded, flattering and bright but without a trace of unctuousness. In truth, the wine lacks a little acidity to be great, but this allows the wine to be expressive and generous early in its career. The finish of contrasting butterscotch and orange rind is a delight. Not for the very long term, but luckily this is irresistible now.
Mark Pardoe MW, Fine Wine Wholesale - Tasted at the St Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes Cellar Tasting, 03/12/09

In great Sauternes vintages we offer our “Liquid Gold” selection. We pick our favourites from the vintage in terms of both quality and value, and this is a fantastic way to enjoy a selection of the vintage’s best sweet wines. The wines are offered in halves (six halves of each wine) and packed in their own wooden case.

Our picks this year are:

2005 Ch. Rieussec, Sauternes
2005 Ch. Suduiraut, Sauternes
2005 Ch. La Tour Blanche, Sauternes
2005 Ch. Doisy-Védrines, Barsac

2005 is one of the best vintages in this decade for sweet Bordeaux wines, and may well match 2001 in some cases. The wines have flesh, weight, energy with fresh acidity to boot. This is an exceptional case for the cellar.