ChateauLaTourBlanche2009,Sauternes

1er Cru Classe, Sauternes

In amongst our top three Sauternes of the vintage, this is probably one of the most perfectly balanced sweet wines in an outstanding group. There is a pervasive mandarin, honey and apricot bouquet and a lovely, textured vanilla and peach ice cream middle with a freshening, penetrating exotic lemon and limes finish. Very much a long-termer but it will be approachable from an early stage as well. How tempting! Outstanding. [2009 – 14% abv; Drink: 2017-2035]

140g/l residual sugar; 3.9g/l. total acidity .

Winemakers: Alex Barrau & Jean-Pierre Faure Semillon 83% – Sauvignon Blanc 12% – Muscadelle 5%Semillon barrel fermented followed by 16-18 months elevage (100% each year) and Sauvignon tank fermented then assembled with Semillon for elevage.

The construction of Chateau La Tour Blanche dates from the 18th Century. In 1855, The Imperial Government requested that the most deserving wines of The Gironde be submitted to The Universal Exhibition in Paris so that a classification system could be established. Chateau La Tour Blanche was placed top of The ‘Premiers Crus’ of The Sauternes Appellation. But it was not until the beginning of the 20th Century that the originality of this prestigious estate’s history became really apparent.

The former owner, Daniel Iffla, a.k.a. “Osiris”, decided to bequeath the property to the French State under the condition that a Wine School be created on site. After having accepted the donation in 1909, The Ministry of Agriculture commissioned construction of La Tour Blanche School of Viticulture and Oenology in 1911.

Despite its unusual status, this wine-producing Estate is entirely managed by authentic professionals in The Wine Trade.