The 2017 and 2001 vintages from Sauternes continue of offer wines at relative value in light of recent critic scores.
- The 2001 and 2017 Sauternes vintages were recently reviewed by Neal Martin and Tom Parker MW.
- Both critics awarded Yquem their highest scores.
- Both vintages continue to offer wines at low prices relative to their age and ratings.
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Château Rieussec revealed a new look this week as part of its ‘reimagining’ of Sauternes campaign.
The 2019 vintage was subsequently released at £340 per pack of four. The new release followed soon after the re-evaluation of two noted Sauternes vintages, the 2001 and 2017, both of which continue to offer compelling value.
Neal Martin’s top-scoring 2001 Sauternes
Neal Martin’s top-scoring Sauternes 2001 wines, awarded 93-points and above, range between £350 and £4,600 per 12×75 case. Not only do they offer high quality, but bottle age at affordable prices.
In his Vinous report, Martin wrote that 2001 was ‘an extremely good year’ for Sauternes though he only rated Yquem 100-points. Yquem 2001 is also the most traded white Bordeaux on the secondary market all-time
His second favourite wine of the vintage, Château Climens, scored just four points lower. The wine is available for significantly less – £1,550 per 12×75. Meanwhile, the 95-point Suduiraut and Doisy-Daëne are available for £519 and £423 respectively, punching well above their weight in terms of value.
Tom Parker MW’s top-scoring 2017 Sauternes
UK critics have turned their attention to a more recent Sauternes vintage, following the annual Southwold blind tasting, where the spotlight was on Bordeaux 2017.
Tom Parker MW, who reviewed the vintage for JancisRobinson.com, suggested that the greatest value for money might lie in the sweet wines.
‘The Sauternes and Barsac are a triumph; sweet wine excelled in 2017 and is undoubtedly the strongest category for Bordeaux in this vintage,’ he wrote.
He explained that, ‘the acidity that was sometimes too noticeable in the red wines only adds to the vibrancy and harmony here’.
He added, ‘these are complete wines that will offer drinking pleasure for decades’.
While Yquem is again in the top spot, some of Parker’s favourites are available for under £300 per case. For example, Second Growths Doisy Daëne (16.5+) and Coutet (16.5) are available for £240 and £280 respectively.
The 2017 Rieussec – which received a score of 16+ from Parker – is available for £320 per dozen.
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Liv-ex analysis is drawn from the world’s most comprehensive database of fine wine prices. The data reflects the real time activity of Liv-ex’s 550+ merchant members from across the globe. Together they represent the largest pool of liquidity in the world – currently £90m of bids and offers across 20,000 wine markets. Independent data, direct from the market.
