Let’s end this year on a sweet note; We lined up 4 beautiful sweeter wines for you to discover and/or re-discover! Starting with Jurancon, then moving to an Aussie staple from De Bortoli. We continue with Tuscany’s iconic Vin Santo, and we end with the “creme de la creme” of Sauternes; Chateau d’Yquem.
Camin Larredya ‘Costat Darrer’ Jurançon 2018
Usually enjoyed as an aperitif rather than a dessert wine, Jurançon wines tend to be less luscious sweet than other “sweet/desserts” wines counterparts. The appellation (in the South West of France) is popular for their off-dry to sweet white wines, usually paired with Foie Gras (not to forget the toasted brioche, cracked black pepper and fig paste). Costat Darrer is made from 25years old organic vines, late picked without Botrytis and sits at 60gr of Residual sugar.
De Bortoli Noble One 2017
There is no secret that the DecanTeam has profound respect and appreciation towards the De Bortoli family, reinforced since that Christmas in July drinking with the YV Royalty… But that’s for another day! The Noble One is an obvious recommendation for whoever fancies a reasonably priced Aussie Sticky. It is a liquid treat perfect with blue cheese, as a dessert or even with your relative’s questionable trifle.
Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2008
Caramelized and sticky like a pan after making a “tarte tatin”, this divine Italian dessert wine is a premium example of Vin Santo (Holy wine) del Chianti Classico DOCG. Produced in Toscany since at least the Middle Ages and according to the legend, Vin Santo were usually used in churches for the Holy Communion. Golden and intensely flavoured they usually go really well with almond-scented biscuits, amaretti, and why not Christmas pudding?!
“This Vin Santo sports a more sophisticated and savory approach that is in part due to its very character and in part due to its age. The 2008 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (in a 375-milliliter bottle) shows a polished copper color with resin, brown sugar, caramel and dried fruit. This wine has a touch of wild mushroom or underbrush as well. The finish is powerful, very sweet and delightful. This wine shows a very careful sense of balance and harmony. It’s almost underplayed as far as Vin Santos go, but it is exceedingly elegant nonetheless. The blend is 55% Malvasia and 45% Trebbiano, and the oak aging is extended over ten years.”
95 points Monica Larner robertparker.com Sep 2019 Drink 2019-2045
Chateau d’Yquem 2004
One cannot talk about sweet wines without mentioning Sauternes, and discussing Sauternes always leads to Chateau d’Yquem. The Sacred Graal of stickies.
Now, this is a bit lush but we have one bottle of Chateau d’Yquem 2004 available. Even though 2004 was a difficult vintage, Chateau d’Yquem took the challenge and proved (once more) to the world their absolute dominance in terms of liquid gold making. Rich tropical fruits on nose and palate balanced by vibrant acidity and freshness quite unbelievable for a wine of that age.
Pierre Lurton, the manager of Yquem as well as Cheval-Blanc, told me that he really wanted to mark his arrival at the legendary estate, so he went to draconian lengths to deliver something superb in 2004 (he reduced the crop by half, so probably less than 75,000 bottles will be produced). This shows wonderful aromas of pineapples, apples and lemons with loads of botrytis. Full-bodied, but incredibly refined and long. Superfresh and racy. It goes on and on and on. Fabulous. This has an incredible purity and brightness. Like a perfectly cut diamond.
95-100. Score: 95-100 James Suckling, Wine Spectator (April 05), April 2005
Sticking for some?
Visit us in-store or email us val@decanters.com.au
Sweet regards,
Val
