Sigalas-Rabaud - Sauternes (375ml) 2007 (375ml)
Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $34.99
3+ Price: $31.99 / btl
Producer | Sigalas-Rabaud |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Subregion | Sauternes |
Varietal | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle |
Vintage | 2007 |
Sku | 17632 |
Size | 375ml |
Oh my… what an incredible steal this is! In his retrospective tasting of 23 2007 Sauternes, Sigalas Rabaud was Neal Martin’s highest rated bottling. Compare with these more famous, yet lower-rated bottlings:
- D’Yquem 2011 – 94 pts Neal Martin (Wine Advocate) @ $200+ online
- De Fargues 2007 – 94 pts Neal Martin (Vinous) @ $58 ave. online
Okay, so Sauternes… isn’t that a dessert wine? Well… not exactly, particularly if you are in France… read on… or just scroll to the bottom to order if you’re already sold.
Sauternes comes from the southernmost part of Bordeaux. Primarily Semillon, with varying proportions of Sauvignon Blanc, the vineyards of Sauternes are notable for the morning mists rising from the Garonne River. With the mists, the fungus botrytis cinerea spreads rapidly, causing the grapes to start rotting. But warm afternoons dry the grapes out, allowing for just the right amount of “noble rot” to spread. This “rot” is what gives Sauternes its unique and prized flavors – orange marmalade, honey, beeswax, ginger and dried fruit.
All righty then… back to the original question – is Sauternes a dessert wine?
Well, the wine is undeniably sweet. Drunk on its own, it would certainly qualify as a liquid dessert. But, as I said, in France they might look at you sideways if you paired with a dessert – like a peach crumble or apple tart (tarte tatin). Oh, it goes fabulously with dessert dishes. That’s just not how it is traditionally served.
Despite its sweetness, or rather, because of its sweetness and high acidity, Sauternes pairs wonderfully with rich foods such as foie gras and blue cheese. The Sauternes website suggests butternut squash soup. I’ve had it paired with oysters! Amazing! Lobster is another wonderful choice. Spicy foods can be a wonderful match, but you have to be careful. Not too spicy. Sigalas Rabaud suggests pairing with Capon with raisins, fine fois gras stuffing, pan-fried new potatoes and porcini mushrooms. Click here for the recipe.
Last bit… we are currently the only retailer in the US offering this wine and one of just a dozen or so in the world! Given the incredible value of this gem, I humbly suggest stocking up. Stored properly, it promises another 20+ years of fabulous drinking!
Sigalas-Rabaud Description
“A wine revealing fruity and floral aromas with hints of honey. The lively and airy palate awakens aromatic notes of exotic fruits and hazelnut. A nice harmony between acidity, freshness and sweetness gives this Sigalas a nice balance. A nice length at the end of the mouth.” Winery note
Vinous Media: 95 Points
“The 2007 Sigalas Rabaud has a very refined and pure bouquet with quince, orange blossom and yellow flower scents opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a killer line of acidity, taut and fresh with very pure fruit. This is a complex, sophisticated Sauternes that has more freshness and tension than many of its peers. Superb. Drink 2022-2050.” Vinous - By Neal Martin on April 2022
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.