The 2010 Dourthe Cuvée d’Exception is a dessert wine from Sauternes, produced by Dourthe, a Bordeaux négociant. It is a lush and balanced sweet white wine made from grapes affected by noble rot (botrytis), resulting in concentrated flavors. Tasting notes include rich honeyed apple and peach, with intense vanilla, butterscotch, and honey, balanced by freshness, a touch of stickiness, pepper, and a savory edge. It has a woody backbone and an unctuous texture.
Food Pairings
This wine pairs well with a variety of savory and sweet dishes, leveraging its sweetness, acidity, and richness to contrast creamy, salty, or spicy elements. Key suggestions include:
- Classic Pairings: Foie gras (e.g., pâté or terrine), roast chicken, or duck dishes like duck liver crème brûlée or duck breast with peaches.
- Cheese: Blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Shropshire Blue; also works with creamy cheeses on a charcuterie board.
- Desserts: Fruit-based sweets like apple pie with blackberries, lemon meringue pie, or fresh pears.
- Adventurous Pairings: Oysters (for briny contrast), spicy Thai or Asian dishes (e.g., lacquered pork or tajine with dried fruits), or even lobster with mango sauce.
- Other Savory Options: Poultry with honey/balsamic glaze, quail with grapes, or simple seafood like scallops.
These pairings highlight the wine’s versatility beyond just dessert, as its acidity cuts through richness while the sweetness complements bold flavors.
Critics Reviews
The 2010 vintage has received solid but not exceptional scores, reflecting its approachable style as a négociant blend rather than a top classified growth. Average rating: 89/100 from 4 critics.
- CellarTracker: 89/100 – Community notes praise its honeyed apple nose with freshness and a savory edge.
- Wine-Searcher Aggregate: 85-90 pts – Described as lush and balanced.
- The Irish Times (John Wilson): Highlights its richness, unctuous texture, and luscious peaches with vanilla and butterscotch.
User reviews on platforms like CellarTracker note it as ready to drink with good value for a Sauternes.
Drink Window
The 2010 Sauternes vintage is legendary, with excellent noble rot development despite a hot summer. This wine is mature and ready to drink now, but it will keep well until 2030-2040, evolving toward more caramel and crème brûlée notes with age. Store at cellar temperature (around 55°F/13°C) for optimal aging.
Serving Temperature
Serve chilled but not ice-cold to preserve expressiveness: 50-57°F (10-14°C). Too cold mutes flavors; too warm makes it flabby. For younger bottles, aim toward the cooler end; for mature ones, slightly warmer.
