May 11, 2010

2009 Bordeaux Futures Offer – Focus on Sauternes

There has been a great deal of hype around the red wines from the ’09 vintage, and as we pointed out in early April: it is an exceptional, but inconsistent vintage with many highs and lows.  Not to be forgotten in the controversy over how good the reds may be and do they all really taste like Bordeaux, are the scintillating Sauternes.  The very best seemed to combine the ripeness and power of the 01s with the class and precision of the 07s.

In 2009, consistently warm summer weather was followed by a blowtorch of plus 30 degree Celsius days in early September to add the crispy decadence to the creme brulee, and a late September rain ignited the glorious subversive spores of botrytis.  The harvest came fast and furious in October, so a fair number of the chateaux did not have time to properly sort, making the tasting table the sorting table for smart buyers as it did for the reds.

Our pet favorite is the remarkable Doisy-Daene which had a distinct minerality, certain precision and great lift.  For those on the speculative side of things, remember that Rieussec is the white Lafite.  An excellent value Sauternes is the second wine of Rieussec, Carmes; providing shameless sweet satisfaction while the bigger guns age gracefully in your cellar.

Ye Olde Noble Rot

2009 Doisy-Daene (Barsac)
$23.50 per half-bottle
“Very pretty, very complete and very outstanding."

(96-98pts. NM, Wine Advocate)

2009 Carmes de Rieussec (Sauternes)

$16.99 per half-bottle

2009 Rieussec (Sauternes)

$41.99 per half-bottle

“Probably the best Rieussec since the astounding 2001.”

(95-97pts. NM, Wine Advocate)

2009 Coutet (Barsac)

$39.99 per half-bottle

“…reminds me of a stellar ’62 tasted just a few weeks previously. A magnificent Coutet.”
(96-98pts. NM, Wine Advocate)

2009 Suduiraut (Sauternes)

$41.99 per half-bottle

“Layers of botrytis layer across the mellifluous finish that is beautifully defined and sensuous. Fabulous.”

(97-99pts. NM, Wine Advocate)

We recommend bottling your Sauternes futures in halves, as a little sticky goes a long way and half bottles are always harder to find once the wines arrive and bring a premium versus volume.  If you would like your Sauternes, bottled in 750ml or any other sized bottle, please let us know! These wines are available in original wood cases in both 12 and 24 half-bottle counts.  If you’d like 12 half-bottle OWCs, there would be a slight up charge from the negociant.  Please inquire for price of special format requests.

Many of you have expressed interest for Lafite-Rothschild & Mouton-Rothschild.  Please be aware that Rieussec and Coutet respectively are owned by these chateaux. A good way to be first in line for early tranche pricing on Lafite & Mouton is to get your Sauternes orders in early.  Limited quantities available! Wines due to arrive in 2012.

Matt Tornabene

President

Manhattan Wine Company

Phone: 973-574-8701

Email: matt@mwcwine.com

Justin Christoph
Senior Consultant
Manhattan Wine Company
Phone: 973-574-8701
Email: justin@mwcwine.com

If you would like to place an order, reply to this email or click on the blue wine link above.  From there, you will be redirected to the page on our site where we are selling this wine.  On our site, you can check available quantities in real time, access complete tasting notes from the world’s most influential critics, and complete your orders.  If you’d prefer to do it the old fashioned way, please don’t hesitate to give Matt or Justin a call at 973-574-8701.  We look forward to hearing from you.