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Château Suduiraut Castelnau de Suduiraut Sauternes 2006

Château Suduiraut Castelnau de Suduiraut Sauternes 2006

The 2006 Castelnau de Suduiraut, as with all wines from Suduiraut, possesses a center of gravity. One feels that one is swimming in this wine—in opulent layers of apricot preserves, yellow cling peaches, marmalade, rich spice, dulce de leche flan, and forest honey. It’s dark amber in the glass, viscous and voluptuous. Go ahead, treat […]

Château Lapinesse Sauternes 2016

Château Lapinesse Sauternes 2016

Crafted from 100% organically-grown Semillon, the 2016 Château Lapinesse Sauternes is lightly botrytized, with more pure fruit character shining through. Aromas of white peach, apricot and orange zest are followed by more subtle notes of florality, almond, and spice. It’s round on entry and silky—the apricot flavors pick up at the back palate, becoming a […]

Château Manos Cadillac 2016

Château Manos Cadillac 2016

A nice value in this little half bottle—the 2016 Château Manos is pale lemon yellow in the glass with blooming aromas of poached pear, apricot skin, orange blossom, and granulated honey. This Semillon-dominant blend is round and lush on the palate, and while not as botrytis-laden or rich as some—there is nice purity of fruit […]

Château du Cros Loupiac 2014

Château du Cros Loupiac 2014

For Sauternes lovers, Loupiac is a stunning value—especially when one finds producers such as this. The Château du Cros Loupiac 2014 is a blend of 90% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon blanc, and 5% Muscadelle grown in chalky clay with limestone subsoil. Mushrooms bloom from the glass followed by pure-fruited splendor: yellow peach and apricot, candied orange […]

Château Filhot Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 2015

Château Filhot Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 2015

A stunning second growth, Château Filhot Grand Cru Classé 2015 glints goldenrod in the glass. Still young and primary in expression it’s brimming with penetrating aromas of apricot, candied pineapple, orange Creamsicle, and savory herbs. Fresh and vivid, yet luscious and opulent, too. As with all well-crafted Sauternes, acidity provides lift and weightlessness amidst depth of […]

Château de Pitray Premier Vin 2015

Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

A right-bank, Merlot-dominant blend, Château de Pitray is now managed by the estate’s 25th generation. The wine is delicious for its price point—Merlot’s dark cherry and Damson plum notes are beautifully matched by Cabernet Franc’s delicate florality, combined with enveloping cigar box and warm spice notes. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with well-balanced acidity. The […]

Château Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2015

Château Puygueraud Bordeaux Côtes de Francs 2015

Owned by George Thienpont—the family also own Vieux Château Certan, as such Puygueraud delivers excellent value. This supple blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec delivers enveloping aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries, Bing cherries, sweet tobacco, leather, and vanilla. It’s round and silky in the mouth with suave tannins that lend structure and […]

Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis-en-Médoc 2012

Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis-en-Médoc 2012

2012 vintage was a bit of a mixed bag for Bordeaux—a year beset by poor fruit set and a notably hot summer. The 2012 Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis-en-Médoc offers up classic aromas of plum, cassis, a touch of leather and a bit of underbrush. In the mouth, the tannins are firm, but velvety, with acidity […]

Château Suduiraut 1982

Château Suduiraut

A contribution from my Cascadia Fine Wines colleague Jack Madrid at a recent dinner with Force Majeure Vineyards‘ winemaker and his wife—this luscious amber-hued bottle of 1982 Château Suduiraut proved to be the perfect end to an evening of lively conversation. It opens with penetrating aromas of orange marmalade, apricot, orange spice market tea, flan, forest honey, and […]

Clos des Lunes Lune Blanche 2014

Clos des Lunes Lune Blanche 2014

Clos des Lunes, as the name implies, is limpid, yellow moonlight buckled in and braced by moderate oak. Bosc pear, baked apple, fading prairie flowers, and lemon curd permeate the nose. In the mouth, texturally, there is a suggestion of skin contact in addition to light toast—vibrant acidity gives it lift, freshness and a touch […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com