2008 Château Sigalas-Rabaud, 1er Cru Classé Sauternes

Sigalas-Rabaud is the smallest of the Sauternes First Growths, lying on the famous Sauternes Terrace as a single, south-facing, 14-hectare plot. Château d’Yquem is less than 500 metres away. A blend of 85% Semillon, 14% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle, now 14 years old, this 2008 is a stunning wine. Bright, mid lemon-gold colour, aromas are intense and buoyant, recalling citrus peel, dried apricot, fresh mango, crème caramel. Palate is full bodied and mouth-filling, generous flavours being held tightly in place by fresh structure. This is creamily textured and unctuously sweet, having a persistent, lively finish (for drinking 2022-2025+) – 13.5%.