Bordeaux Theme
Live Virtual Auction, 17 September 2023
Bordeaux
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About this Item
Château Raymond-Lafon is a wine estate situated in the sweet wine appellation of Sauternes, 50km southeast of the city of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne River. The estate was founded by Raymond Lafon in 1850 and today boasts 16 hectares of vineyards within the Sauternes appellation.
Louis Pontallier inherited the estate from Lafon at the beginning of the 20th Century. He continued his family's winemaking legacy here until 1952, when he sold the estate to the Bourdier family. In 1972, Francine and Pierre Meslier acquired Château Raymond-Lafon and today their three children have taken over the running of the estate.
The property's vineyards lie in close proximity to those of Sauternes' renowned Château d'Yquem, which lies just to the southeast of Raymond-Lafon.
Sémillon accounts for 80 percent of the grape varieties grown on the Raymond-Lafon estate, with Sauvignon Blanc making up the remainder.
Critics Ratings
‘Rich and dense, and still quite primal, delivering layered flavors of creamed pear, fig, green plum, roasted almond, honey and buttered brioche. Dense, with gorgeous mouthfeel and a long, honeyed finish. Has the power to last for some time. Best from 2014 through 2030.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (2011)
‘The 2001 Raymond-Lafon has an attractive but understated nose of peach skin, saffron and light praline aromas. The well-balanced palate is taut and crisp with a fine bead of acidity, offering flavors of orange peel and quince and gently fanning out with touches of gingerbread toward the elegant finish. What a pretty and delicious Sauternes!’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Jun 2021)
‘A tightly-knit but unctuous effort, Raymond-Lafon’s 2001 exhibits aromas of espresso roast intermixed with honeyed peaches, apricots, lychee nuts, and a hint of coconut. A full-throttle heavyweight, it will be at its finest between 2008-2025+.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Jun 2004)
Provenance
Private Client
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