Sauternes, the renowned appellation in Bordeaux, has produced a trio of outstanding sweet wines in the 2021 vintage. This rare achievement features the phenomenal creations of Château d’Yquem, Lafaurie-Peyraguey, and Suduiraut. Let's delve into the intricate tale behind these perfect sweet wines.
The Challenge of Frost and Triumph Over Adversity
In early April 2021, Bordeaux's Sauternes estates faced an unexpected frost that significantly impacted vine production. Despite the dire consequences of the frost, which caused a drastic reduction in crop yield, the efforts of dedicated winemakers bore fruit in the form of extraordinary quality wines.
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey: Owner Silvio Denz revealed that the estate produced only four hectoliters of wine due to the frost. Yet, what they bottled was of phenomenal quality.
Château Suduiraut: Christian Seely, head of AXA which owns Suduiraut, reported that Sauternes lost 85% of its crop, resulting in only one hectoliter per hectare. Despite this, the wines achieved extraordinary levels.
Château d’Yquem: Managed by Lorenzo Pasquini, d'Yquem managed to maintain almost normal production levels, losing only 15-20% of their crop. Their meticulous vineyard management ensured outstanding grape quality.
The Richness of Botrytis and Balanced Sweetness
What makes the 2021 Sauternes wines particularly special is their rich and complex character marked by incredibly sweet, spicy, ginger, and ginseng notes. This exceptional flavor profile emerges due to the noble rot, botrytis, which concentrates the sugars within the grapes.
The 2021 vintage is reminiscent of the great vintages like 2001, 1988, and 1990, combining richness with a light, agile balance. This juxtaposition of high sugar levels with remarkable balance is a signature quality of these wines.
Comparing the Ages: A Century Apart
An intriguing tasting involved comparing the 2021 Lafaurie-Peyraguey with a 1921 bottle from the same estate. The 1921 vintage displayed a particularly sweet and powerful profile, with a dark brown hue. This comparison piqued interest in how the 2021 vintage will evolve over the next century, highlighting the timeless allure of Sauternes wines.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 2021 Sauternes
The 2021 vintage of Sauternes stands out as an incredible triumph against adversity. The perfect scores given to Château d’Yquem, Lafaurie-Peyraguey, and Suduiraut are a testament to the extraordinary diligence and expertise of their winemakers. These wines not only represent a pinnacle of sweetness and balance but also pay homage to the historic legacy of Sauternes.
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