Score: 90/100
Tasting Notes
This 2004 vintage barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc from the Bordeaux region comes in a rather golden color betraying its age. It does look very clear and shiny though, with bright gold hues.
The nose also signs of clear evolution: wax, honey, sweet spices and nuts dominate the aromatic profile. No obvious signs of Sauv Blanc primary fruit characters left in there, but rather piny and petrol tones instead.
The palate however, bursts in intense dried tropical fruit flavors: pineapple, mango, and some coconut. There is also a lot of oaky notes: hazelnut, clove, and well, the vanilla and coconut again.
Strong herbal tones are also very pungent, like a gin it explodes with scents of herbs and soft spices.
Although it’s dry, the wine is incredibly smooth on the palate, thanks to a sensation of delicate sweetness that soften and underlines the sweet spices flavors like in a good Christmas or carrot cake. Great balance with nice acidity and silky tannins to the finish.
Overall
A barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc wine that’s probably gone a little over the edge of what most people consider as a positive evolution for a white wine, having lost most of its freshness and bright fruit characters.
If you know to and like to appreciate deeper, more herbal, spicy and waxy flavors and aromas from aged wine, this is filled with loads of depth and complexity, still preserving somewhat of freshness from its nice acidity and topical flavors.
A wine I personally enjoyed much, tasting and revealing inifinte amounts of layers and complexity.
A dry Sauternes wine you could say it is!
So if you like Sauternes, with more freshness… this might be for you.
Enjoy 🙂
Please let me know your thoughts