2007 White Bordeaux

This is an exceptional Coutet: a pale-coloured paragon of delicacy and concentration, as befits this leading Barsac. The nose is beautiful, with zingy peach, orange blossom and an intriguing smokiness. The pure, apricot and lemon tart palate is wonderfully elegant with fresh acidity and an exceptional sweetness, typical of 2007, that will reveal increasing complexity as the wine matures.

Anybody who has tasted the sensational 1989 Doisy-Védrines will want to snap up the equally good 2007 in an instant. As well as being one of the sweetest wines of the vintage it is exceptionally elegant and well-balanced. The nose is marked by intense, icy-cool tropical citrus while the rich yet fresh palate has wonderfully pure, sweet creamy pineapple fruit, plenty of botrytis and fine balancing acidity. The finish is incredibly long and precise. Made from 95% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc, this is a magically sensual Sauternes at an outstanding price.

We only release our "Liquid Gold Assortment Case" in vintages where we can find 3 or 4 sticky beauties that really excite us and 2007 was one of those years. We appreciate that sometimes it is quite hard to work your way through a whole case of the same Sauternes, and this Liquid Gold case gives you the ability to dip in and out of 4 different wines of differing styles. This is always one of our staff's favourite cases to buy, and after a recent re-tasting of the wines, we are delighted with our selection this year.

Each Berry Bros. & Rudd branded case contains 3 bottles of the following 2007 delights:

Ch. Rieussec, Sauternes
Ch. Suduiraut, Sauternes
Ch. Coutet, Barsac
Ch. Doisy Vedrines

This is a jaw-droppingly good Climens that may just turn out to be the best they have ever made. With 100% Sémillon and, as ever, the epitome of delicacy, finesse and complexity, it is utterly sensational - possibly even better than d'Yquem itself. It has amazing depth and richness yet remains wonderfully vibrant, leaving magical flavours of sweet orange blossom in the mouth. Owner Bérénice Lurton has produced some fabulous wines from this celebrated Barsac estate in recent years but her 2007 is truly sublime. Buy as much of this as you can.

An explosive nose of pineapple, grapefruit and slight citrus overtones heralds the spiced pears and pineapple which continue on to the powerful yet refined palate, with a precise balance of acidity. The finish lasts at least 10 minutes and no doubt this wine will go on for at least a decade... What more can a wine offer? This truly is one of the finest dry whites I have tasted in a long time and if you don't have a case, or two, in your cellar, I would strongly advise you pick one up before they sell out.
Ben Upjohn -Berrys' Cellar Plan Team - Sept 2008

We thought Olivier Bernard's 2006 was sensational, but this has a length and intensity that takes it to an even higher level. From its divine, pure, creamy fruit nose to the seamless, explosive finish that must have lasted 20 minutes, this is nigh-on perfection. Powerful, refined pineapple, citrus, pear and minerals form its core, while firm, perfectly-integrated acidity ensures a glorious future ahead. On a par with Haut-Brion's epic 2007, it is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the finest white Bordeaux ever made.

Incontrovertible proof, if any more were needed, that 2007 is a truly fantastic vintage for white Bordeaux. Richer and deeper than any other wine this year, this is an exceptional and formidable Haut-Brion Blanc; it is certainly the best here for a very long time, which is praise indeed. A majestic nose of pears and minerals leads on to an ultra-expressive, masculine palate with concentrated, precise tropical fruit, pink grapefruit and coconut. As rare and sought-after as ever, those fortunate enough to drink this sublime wine will be in for an unforgettable experience.

Showing fragrant honeysuckle and crème brûlée on the nose, with attractive medium weight in the mouth and very good concentration, this had me hankering for a slab of Stilton or Roquefort or anything pudding related!  The palate exudes lovely honey and sweet ripe peach followed by a delicious and refreshing finish. Brimming with charm, drink it now ...Y wait!!
(Simon Staples - BBR Fine Wine Director - 10 Nov 09)

Winemaker Pierre Montégut hails from Vouvray, so he particularly enjoys the freshness of his outstanding 2007 made from minuscule yields of 16 hl/ha spread across five pickings. It has one of the most exciting bouquets of the vintage with white flowers, orange blossom and a trace of fresh apricots. The palate is equally brilliant with rich, unctuously-textured peaches and cream and a beguiling complexity. This challenges its legendary 2001 for top place on the podium and is an absolute must-have for any Sauternes lover.