2016, Château Doisy-Daene, BARSAC, Grand Cru Classé, Grand Vin de Sauternes

The first bottle of 2016 Doisy-Daëne was corked. The second is clean and precise on the nose, offering honeycomb, lanolin, crushed rocks and light yellow flower aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is very well balanced, and a fine bead of acidity cuts through the intense botrytized fruit. Very harmonious and poised, with impressive intensity on the finish. This is a marvelous Sauternes. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 96 Neal Martin, Vinous. 

The 2016 Doisy-Daëne is all subtlety and finesse. White flowers, mint, orchard fruit, lemon confit and a kiss of new French oak add to an impression of elegance. Beautifully layered and open-knit, the 2016 exudes class from start to finish. The mid-weight structure and sense of freshness are incredibly appealing. I can't think of too many other Sauternes I would rather reach for than Doisy-Daëne. 91-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous. 

I love the ginger-spiced quality that is so evident in the sweet wines this year, a gorgeous addition that deepens the experience. This feels like a drop of luxury, and on a second tasting I covet the seams of minerality that are clearly evident. A rich style. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter. 

Pale lemon in colour, the 2016 Doisy Daëne leaps from the glass with flamboyant tropical fruit notions of warm pineapple, guava and passion fruit plus hints of lime cordial, fungi, mush perfume and chalk dust. The palate has loads of earthy/savoury layers with great concentration and depth, finishing long and lively. 94 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

Drinking Window: 2019-2039