Sauternes, drinking young or old? (aging Sauternes - merged)

WINE TALK
21

Actually, I think the first T is hard, the second disappears, like most French words.

Herwig, I agree that the 2001 Rieussec comes across as a little unidimensional right now, but the last bottle I had just a few months ago had really started to come together very nicely and is worth trying again. Then save the rest for a long time…

Jay: I agree that some 2003s are a bit lacking in acidity. The Fargues and Yquem are a clear exception for me though. (I haven’t tried the Climens.)

Alex H-C: In most vintages, I would agree with you that buying Rieussec, Suduiraut, Lafaurie, etc at its price is a much better idea than Yquem at its price, but 2003 is the exception I think. For the reason I mentioned above, I think the Fargues and Yquem are head and shoulders above other sauternes, and the pricing is also reasonable for those respective chateaux.

22

This.

23

Arent you forgetting Ch. Climens Ashish?

24

In general or in 2003? Chateau Climens is a gap in my sauternes tasting experience… I have only tasted relatively few and they were often off-years. I haven’t tried the 01, 03, 05, 07, for example, and I’ve heard great things about 01 and 07 in particular. I’ve had one or two aged experiences from the 80s/90 (86, 90) that have been excellent. I will say that I have much more experience with Chateau Coutet and I think they often hold their own against Climens (or are better than Climens) at a much better price. But I think I’m in the minority with that opinion…

25

I mean in general.
Sometimes Yquem and Climens act on the same level.
I.m.h.o. there is no other chateau able to that.

best regards

26

I prefer to drink Barsac young, usually consume them within 5 years of their release but could go as far as 10-15 years. For Sauternes on the other hand, I am open to all from 70s and 80s.

27

As mentioned earlier in the thread, I had an 83 Climens on Monday, but then had an 88 Coutet on Tuesday. Both were quite good…I think I preferred the Climens…although close.

28

Roger, any thoughts on the future of the 88 Coutet? Is it a long keeper?

29

Oh, I think it has the structure to last for many years…Similar to the 83 Climens which was still going strong…

30

Thanks. Now I must consider if I have the structure to last many years.

31

The last Rieussec 2001 I had : drank 2 glasses , put it in the fridge ( no cap ! ) , forgot about it and drank the remainder 2 weeks after : still fresh and young .

32

I just did some googling. Apparently in Barsac they pronounce the second T hard, but in the rest of Bordeaux they don’t.

Thanks to Alex R

33

83 climens is young

34

Had the 01 Rieussec from a 375 and found it too dense and sweet for me at this time. I feel like this could outlast me!

35

Jay

You missed a great vintage in the 97 Yquem. Sandrine Garbay, the winemaker, thinks it is one of the best vintages she has made. And she made the 01… I loaded up on the 97 at a great price.

36

I console myself that I haven’t had the budget for Yquemsince the '83 vintage :slight_smile:

37

The 2009 Rieussec had last night tasted like fruity sugar water. Pretty enough and perhaps not served cold enough.

Will stash the rest of them away and try to forget about them for at least 10 years.

38

Well I agree with that Maureen, however for many on this board it is ‘old’. That’s an interesting question however…what is everyone’s definition of ‘old’? My favorite sauternes has been 21 d’Yquem… would that qualify? [cheers.gif]

39

1921 Yquem?
Please give me details!!!

40

Harry, it’s been 10-15 years since I had the wine (after all the 61 first growths, 45 Mouton and 47 Lafleur), and I suspect that it might have been drinking better then than now…the color was medium golden and had such a wonderful complex perfume that was mesmerizing…beautiful balance and length…I have none in the cellar…oldest I have is the 59 which is also a very good d’Yquem.