Critics Ratings

1988:
‘The finest bouquet and aromatics are found in the 1988, which exhibits a striking nose of honeysuckle, and sweet peaches, apricots, and pineapples. This medium to full-bodied, elegant wine will last for 15 years.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Jan 1998)

1989:
‘This is a great Sauternes that can probably still be bought for a song. A reserved but well-defined nose with lemon curd, orange peel and apricot. This is not as honeyed on the nose as one might expect, but lovely, natural balance with a slight saltiness on the creamy textured finish infused with a touch of tangerine. Very fine.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Jan 2000)

1996:
‘Light, simple nose. Rather basic sweet stuff with an edge of green. Almost very good but not quite. Very powerful. Barley sugar – bit of a bruiser. Could do with just a tad more acidity.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Feb 2011)

‘This wine is off-dry, with apricot and fruit cocktail scents and flavors, medium body, fine purity, unobtrusive oak, and a spicy, stylish finish. It will require consumption during its first 10-12 years of life, although I am sure it will live longer. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Apr 1999)

2003:
‘The Clos Haut Peyraguey ’03 is a respectable Sauternes for the vintage. It has a simple bouquet of quince and lime flower that is atypically light and not precocious for the vintage. There are hints of caramel that emerge with time. The palate is well-balanced with crisp acidity. It is harmonious and pure with good levels of botrytis on the finish, with delightful dried mango, quince and marmalade notes lingering in the mouth. Very fine. Drink now-2024.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Jun 2013)

‘Bright yellow. Lovely aromas of fresh peach, nutmeg and vanillin oak. At once sweet and powerful, with impressively concentrated, botrytized flavors of apricot, soft citrus fruits and honey. Distinctly fat and lush but with enough acidity to maintain its shape and verve. Offers excellent texture and plenty of inner-mouth aromatic character. Finishes with noteworthy length, the fruit and oak spice notes harmonizing nicely. This was a pleasant surprise from barrel last year, and has turned out very well.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91/100 (Jul 2006)

Provenance

Private Client