2003 Sauternes, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
About Producer
The core of Lafaurie-Peyraguey’s vineyards is 18.5ha located mostly in Bommes, with vines also in Fargues, Preignac and Sauternes, on silica gravel, clay and limestone soil. Vines were first planted here in 1618 around the château that was built as a fortress in the 13th century. Records show that during his visit to Bordeaux in 1787, Thomas Jefferson bought some cases of Château Pichard-Peyraguey, as it was then known, and had them shipped to Monticello, his home in Virginia. Since Silvio Denz acquired this estate in 2014, no expense has been spared to renovate the property and improve the quality of the wine. As a result, the recent vintages are absolutely spectacular.
Varietals
Blend of 90% sémillon, 8% sauvignon blanc, and 2% muscadelle.
About Appellation
Sauternes appellation covers 2,200ha of vines and sit on gravel and pebbles on limestone soil with clay veins. The appellation includes wine from the five villages of Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Fargues and Preignac. The area benefits from a unique microclimate where cold waters of River Ciron meeting warmer currents of River Garonne generate autumnal mists that trigger the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) across the vineyards. Sémillon reigns supreme with 80% of the plantings, with sauvignon blanc and, in a tiny proportion, muscadelle playing the supporting role. It's home to 27 grands crus classés in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, with Yquem having the unique title of Premier Cru Supérieur.
Tasting Notes
Inviting nose of orchard fruits, mandarine, lemon zest, fig jam and acacia honey, smooth mouthfeel with unctuous texture, good depth and stunning precision, multilayered flavours of pineapple, nectarine, dried apricot, grapefruit, bitter orange and crème brûlée, fine line of acidity and spicy undertones leading onto a long, sumptuous finish. Despite the scorching heat in the summer of 2003, Lafaurie-Peyraguey did pull off a beautiful wine that has aged gracefully well. At 21 years old, this is a delightful wine brimming with remarkable poise and assertive drive, while displaying quiet complexity throughout the palate. Though lacking the aromatic finesse of recent vintages, it’s rich and dense, yet amazingly fresh and vibrant, without being remotely heavy or cloying. (06/2024)