Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

1990:
'The 1990 is less aromatic, but richer and fuller-bodied than the 1988 La Tour Blanche. It has not lost any of its elegant, honeyed, botrytised style. Interestingly, at bottling the 1988 contained 13.5% alcohol and the 1990, 13.2%. The 1990 comes across as fat and rich, a classic Sauternes that remains under priced given the resurgence of this well-known estate. It will keep for three decades or more.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (Nov 1994)

'Pungently botrytized aromas feature game, honey, marmalade, clove oil, charred oak and a whiff of herbs. Very concentrated and very young; the wine impressively thick texture is leavened by lively acidity and tangy botrytis tones. The honey, mint, mineral, and fresh herbal flavors harmonize beautifully. Very long, smoky-oaky aftertaste. The best of these three vintages by a clear margin. Finished with lower alcohol (13.2%) and higher sugar (72 g/l) than either the '89 or '88.' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 92/100 (Jul 1998)

2001:
'The La Tour Blanche 2001 has long been the "insiders' Sauternes" for the vintage. Leave the Yquem '01 for the millionaires: load up on one of the finest recent vintages from the estate. It has a potent honeyed, frangipane and white flower-scented bouquet with subtle nougat scents in the background lending it an exotic edge. The palate is extremely well balanced with fine acidity effortlessly slicing a swathe through that unctuous, honeyed fruit. There are also understated marmalade notes with a suggestion of crème brûlée furnishing the weighty finish that goes on and on.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Oct 2014)

'The 2001 La Tour Blanche has a finely knit bouquet of yellow flowers mixed with wild honey, acacia and white peach. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and almost unctuous in the mouth, showing what feels like more residual sugar than its peers. Voluminous and mouth-filling on the finish but missing the tension that would take it up a level. Still, this is a hedonistic delight.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Jun 2021)

'Mid orange gold. A bit relaxed and sweet and lacking tension. Very rich indeed with a burnt edge but I'd like a little more acidity and structure.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Mar 2011)

2003:
'Enticing bright yellow-gold color. Subdued but very pure aromas of orange peel, apricot, honey and spices. Super sweet, fat and spicy; wonderfully round, chewy and unctuous. As thick and '03-like as this is, it remains fresh and lively. Not the last word in complexity but this fine-grained wine is delicious already, and finishes with superb, palate-staining persistence.' - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93/100 (Jul 2006)

'The La Tour Blanche '03 offers yellow flowers, melted candle wax and honey on the nose with Muscat-like aromas developing in the glass. The palate is well-balanced on the entry with lemon curd and honey notes, though it needs just a little more acidity to give it tension and freshness. The finish is quite linear, springs no surprises, and just drifts a little when you seek more tautness and race. Still, this is a pleasurable, if not profound La Tour Blanche. Drink now-2020+' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Apr 2013)

'So big and round and unctuous. Yet saved by its structure. Beginning, middle and end with a toastiness. Undertow. Great stuff. Enjoy it while you may!' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Sep 2010)