This sweet white wine is made from botrytized grapes (affected by noble rot), resulting in concentrated richness balanced by acidity. The 2007 vintage blend is 87% Sémillon, 8.5% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4.5% Muscadelle, harvested from September 13 to October 31. It shows a bright golden color with candied aromas of figs, apricots, honey, and tropical fruits. On the palate, it is full-bodied, lush, and unctuous, with notes of apricot, honey-drenched tropical fruit, citrus rind, orange blossom, crème brûlée, spice, and vanilla. It is rich and concentrated yet fresh, with a long finish and good balance between sweetness and racy acidity.
Food pairings:
Classic matches include foie gras (terrine or pan-seared), blue cheeses (e.g., Roquefort or Dolcelatte), and duck liver crème brûlée. It also pairs well with caramel or fruit-based desserts (e.g., waffles, crème brûlée), seafood like lobster, crab, oysters, or shellfish, roast chicken, tandoori dishes, Asian-inspired meals (e.g., lacquered pork), and even Thanksgiving favorites like dark meat turkey, yams, or roasted vegetables. The wine’s sweetness counters saltiness, richness, and spice effectively.
Critics’ reviews and scores:
- Wine Spectator: 96 points (balanced, spicy, with almond paste, apricot, full-bodied, medium sweet, long fruity-tangy finish).
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Robert Parker / Wine Advocate: 92 points (blend details noted, rich and well-balanced).
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Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): 93 points (big, bold, rich, concentrated, honey-drenched tropical fruit, citrus, apricot, still primary but enjoyable now).
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Jancis Robinson: 92 points.
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CellarTracker community average: 91.6 points (from 152 reviews), described as golden, juicy, complex, mineral-driven, with apricot, peach, honey, marmalade, good balance, and long finish; many note it is fully developed and pleasurable now.
Drink window:
The wine is in its prime drinking window now, with general suggestions from 2011–2050. Some sources indicate peak maturity around 2017–2037 or 2020–2035, with continued evolution possible for well-stored bottles. Recent tastings describe it as fully developed, rich, and enjoyable without needing further aging, though it can hold well.
