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The vintage itself receives very high praise:
"The wines are reminiscent of the 1990 vintage with more body and definition, or for older growers, 1949 and 1921. The overall level of my tasting marks is unmatched." Michel Bettane, Decanter Magazine
"These wines are just stunning, I hardly have a nit to pick with any of them not that I'd even want to, it's just all absolutely just fabulous, fabulous. I've never ever experienced anything like this before." Bill Blatch, Bordeaux Gold
"Last year seems to have been yet another great vintage for serious sweet white bordeaux." Jancis Robinson MW
And the wines themselves? Chateau d'Yquem receives the highest praise but there are very positive reviews for all of the top producers and some of the lesser properties as well - it seems that buyers will be satisfied at all price levels. Here are some highlights:
Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes "What a fabulous wine. It's an explosion of fruit, yet it's very refined. I absolutely love the nose on this, with apricot tart, apple crumble, caramel and crme brle. Full-bodied, superripe and spicy, with mango, papaya, spices and sweet dried lemons. Incredibly long. It really rocks your socks off. Amazing. This could be even better than 2001." 97-100 points James Suckling, Wine Spectator
Chateau Climens, Barsac "A tasting from several barrels, because the chateau has not made the final blend, so the rating is provisional. But the wine is so rich, with an almost perfect balance of acidity and ripeness, allied to a complete purity of honeyed botrytis. However the final wine turns out, it will be magnificent." 97-99 points Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Chateau Suduiraut, Preignac, Sauternes "As in 2008, a triumph! Glorious fruit content, nobility of body, balance, taste and aftertaste, perfect precise winemaking, immense future. Is it the best since 1899 or 1928? I say yes, without any doubt!" 19 points Michel Bettane, Decanter Magazine
Chateau La Tour Blanche, Bommes, Sauternes "There are fresh dried apricot flavours with amazing concentration and persistent flavours which linger for a long time. A phenomenal Sauternes for long term cellaring. It is absolutely delicious." 95-97 points Jeannie Cho Lee MW, Asian Palate
Chateau Raymond Lafon, Sauternes "Very deep golden, with great tension and excitement and some green streaks, with layers of botrytis over them. Full and deep with intense botrytis. Great stuff! Unspittable, dried apricots (though so much richer than a Tokaji) and great acidity." 19 points Jancis Robinson MW
Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes "This rocks with botrytis, offering spicy almond, peach pie and dried apricot on the nose and palate. Full and very sweet, with a long finish. So much dried fruit. Oily and powerful. Some bitterness. 35 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 65 percent Smillon." 95-98 points James Suckling, Wine Spectator
