I bought a 375ml bottle of the ’05 Doisy-Védrines back in February, just because it seemed like a solid bottle of dessert wine for a good price, and at the time I had not had any Sauternes. Well, I didn’t drink it and when the book came out, buy was I glad I didn’t. I’ll be buying some more of the ’05 so I can go ahead and drink the bottle I have and I’ll probably even be pre-ordering on the ’07 in the near future.
If I may recommend some other great Sauternes, ’05 Chateau Coutet rocked my face off earlier this year in a Bordeaux tasting, and that runs about $50/bottle. Also, the 2004 Lieutenant de Sigalas is maybe the best value in Sauternes I’ve ever had. It brings straight balance, elegance, and thunder for $20 for a full bottle. That wine is already beginning to turn dark. Which mens its a Sauternes to drink now, and one where you shouldn’t have to wait for half your life to enjoy it in its fullest.

QOTD I haven’t had enough to have a favorite. I still have a slight preference for Tokaj over Sauternes, though

QOTD I haven’t had enough to have a favorite. I still have a slight preference for Tokaj over Sauternes, though

I was scared for everything on that table.

I was scared for everything on that table.

qotd; add it to the list.

qotd; add it to the list.

Giddy up from France Gary!!!! QOTD: Nope, I need to go out and try a saturnes

1976 D’Yquem. I like Barzac’s as well. Have great memories of Suidiart and Climens as well. There are 2000, 2002 and 2004 Climens in my wine storage as well. Can’t afford even a half bottle of D’Yquem now. I assume either you didn’t stock the Doisy or have run out of it.

1976 D’Yquem. I like Barzac’s as well. Have great memories of Suidiart and Climens as well. There are 2000, 2002 and 2004 Climens in my wine storage as well. Can’t afford even a half bottle of D’Yquem now. I assume either you didn’t stock the Doisy or have run out of it.

QOTD: I’ve had more experience with the Chenin Blanc dessert wines from Loire, which have been great; but I did recently open the ’05 D-V to my great pleasure. I drank through that half-bottle after dinner over the work week and generally paired w/ NY-style Cheesecake topped w/ Apricot preserves. More than anything (fruit, taste-complexities, etc.), I love this wine for its impeccable balance and loftiness. If thereâ??s one thing I donâ??t appreciate in dessert wines, itâ??s the over-sugarfied and cloying characteristics that are too often at the forefront. Curious how this stellar effort compared to something more worldly — I opened the â??04 Petit Védrines for a try, and while the P-V made for an interesting experience (given the crazy sweet rubber/plastic inner-tube scents), I wouldnâ??t place the two bottles on the same decade or even within two decades of each other.

QOTD – 1966 Chateau Suduiraut. I also agree TOTALLY with you that Sauternes and Tokaji are stupidly underpriced. I just managed to get a six pack of 50cl bottles of Crown Estates 6 putts Tokaji 1993 (a BRILLIANT year) for less than £150. These wines will outlive me and I’m only 30!

QOTD: I’ve got one in the wine chiller right now, just waiting for a good day. My wife is a big dessert wine lover and she’s still just sipping things while nursing. But soon!

Great show!

QotD: Never had one, never seen a sauternes in any shops near me.

I’m thirsty!

QOTD – Chateau Suduiraut . . . what was it 1990? Can’t remember. Also, while not a Sauternes, the Noble Riesling from D’Arenberg has been a very good performer in the past. Very well balanced. Tropical fruit overtones (pineapple, banana, coconut), with some waxy, petrol notes.

QOTD – 1967 D’Yquem. BUT I think 2002 Sine Qua Non Sémillon Mr. K The Straw Man stacks up against any Sauternes!

Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?

Smell it first!

I will try one when you serve it on the Thunder Cruise.

Q-Need to try some, not a big dessert wine person, if I am spending $40-50 a bottle it’s not going to be on dessert wines. I know….be open minded. I will try some.

QOTD- Never had one, but I’m looking now.

QOTD: Chateau Coutet forgot the vintage.Have a Chateau D’Yquem 2003 I’m saving for something special. I love Sauternes And Tokaji wines, though I only drink thr on special occasions or when I find a bargain one. Loved the dry Tokaji and the Sauternes you had in some of your secret packs. HEY WHEN YOU GONNA DO ANOTHER SECRET PACK?!?!

QOTD 1: Without hesitation, I’d say the 1990 Chateau Suduiraut (Ex chateau 2005) – which you rated 92+ on 5/1/07. I had it in mid-May 2008 to celebrate with family and friends, and it was a heavenly experience.

In second place comes the 1971 Chateau Caillou. There’s something to be said for age with Sauternes, as it gives it a distinct complexity different from that that a red picks up (haven’t had much older Montrachet, so can’t speak on how it would compare).

You know, it’s a shame that many people have not experienced a good Sauternes. They have plenty of weight (not to mention alcohol), to the point where a 375ml bottle is fine after a nice dinner for two, and if you’re talking 375’s, the prices are often very reasonable. I personally believe that they are, on the whole, king of QPR in France.

As for your allusion to historical wine trends… it’s interesting to note that the finest wines of the ancient world (Greece, Rome, and the like) were sweeter white wines, though they of course were made differently than Sauternes are made today. There’s something masculine and powerful that can really speak to you in a Sauternes – and at an affordable price.

I really enjoyed this show. I liked seeing you taste your top two wines from your book and would like to see you taste some more.

QOTD – I have not had a Sauternes yet, but I do have one from the last secret pack and am waiting for a good time with friends to have it. Speaking of secret packs, when the heck are we going to have another secret pack?

Chateau Guiraud