In the mood for a Sauternes with some age on it to commemorate old friends being in town, I decided on this 1988 Lafaurie-Peyraguey from the cellar. Knowing the year to be a legendary vintage, I had high hopes for this 375! This is the sauternes producer I'm most familiar with, having tasted the 1986, 1990, 2003 (legendary, this was just last month!), 2005, 2006, 2016 previously; and one of my personal favorites along with Suduiraut (look, I'd love to mention d'Yquem, but I've only had the 1983). Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend, with a bit of Muscadelle (percentages I'm unsure of). Picked up from Benchmark Wines for a little bit under $50 – popped and poured.
Visually, still a strong, deep gold color! Not yet into copper, amber, or burnt sienna tones. A great portent for what's to come.
On the nose, still plenty of fruit! Honeyed peaches, grilled pineapple, and apricot marmalade. There are tertiary notes though – barely! Toffee, nutmeg, orange peel. At opening it's far more fruit but after an hour of air, there was a fantastic combination of both that I was just captivated by.
On the palate, everything in harmony. The acidity at 37, just wonderful, still zingy on the tongue, going hand in hand with that lovely sweetness, a mouthfeel that's not cloying at all, non-noticeable alcohol at 14%. Captivated, the best 1980s Sauternes I've had, just to my liking. Another eternally lengthy finish, full of caramel, honey, and stone fruit with mango. Just a fantastic structure at almost 40, blowing away the 86 and 90 I've had by a long shot to me – I still prefer a bit of fruit with my tertiary notes, and this is a perfect example of what I chase.
I can never have enough Sauternes, and this is another perfect example as to why – countless producers and vintage combinations I've yet to try that could offer up experiences like this one, joining a 1980 Climens and that 83 d'Yquem as the best 80s Sauternes I've had…to date.
by JJxiv15
Dining and Cooking