By Chateau Raymond-Lafon
Sauternes 2010
The Vineyard
This vineyard deserves the attention of all Sauternes lovers, most especially those who dream of a wine that approaches the splendour and beauty of Chateau d'Yquem but at one-third the price. The vineyard of Raymond-Lafon contiguous to Yquem always enjoyed a great reputation. We even consider that in 1921, if ever there was a great vintage, the Raymond-Lafon of that vintage (which I have not tasted!) was considered even better than the most well-known of the Sauternes-d'Yquem (which I have tasted!). Unfortunately, the property fell into a state of neglect, and it was not until 1972 that Pierre Meslier, manager of Yquem (he retired in 1990), bought the vineyard and began working to gradually restore a once brilliant reputation. Production at Raymond-Lafon is small - on the order of ten hectoliters per hectare. As such, it is less than that of its prestigious neighbour. On the other hand, it employs the same grape blend and wine-making techniques as well as an equally demanding selection process (normally 20% to 80% of the harvest is declassified). This wine has produced a succession of splendid Sauternes, beginning with the great 1975 and confirmed its success most recently with a 1990 and a 2001 both monumental. Today, Raymond-Lafon is poised to become one the great classics of the Sauternes appellation. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find it, due as much to its extremely limited production as to the Meslier family's extremely loyal clientele. One still wonders about the fact that this estate, neighbour of Chateau d'Yquem and other Sauternes premiers crus, was not classified in 1855.
[Information provided by Beyerman Wines]
[Information is not vintage specific]
2010 Raymond-Lafon Sauternes
Producer: Raymond-Lafon
Rating: 93
France, Bordeaux, Sauternes
Color: White
Type: Sweet
Variety: Proprietary Blend
Issue Date: 29th Apr 2014
Source: 212, The Wine Advocate
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The Raymond-Lafon 2010 has a complex bouquet with lemon peel, almond and quince aromas, and is well-defined with an impressive sense of energy. The palate is well-balanced with a viscous opening, and well-judged acidity. It builds toward a rounded, pineapple and marmalade-tinged finish. This has good weight and presence with plenty of strikingly fresh acidity to keep everything balanced. This wine deserves a round of applause.
CHATEAU RAYMOND-LAFON Sauternes 2010
Score: 93
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Issue Web Only - 2015
This is rather dense, with a core of almond cream, coconut, mango, creamed peach and dried apricot notes that should take some time to unfurl fully, revealing lush-textured tarte Tatin, glazed peach and dacquoise flavors in reserve. A big wine. Best from 2018 through 2035. -JM
Chateau Raymond Lafon, Sauternes 2010
Points: 92
Grape Variety: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Drink: 2016-2035
Alc: 13.50%
Taster: Christelle Guibert, December 6, 2016
This has always been a top-class property but shone particularly brightly in our comparative tasting of the Sauternes 2010 vintage. Spicy, aromatic luscious and fine, with wonderful length of flavour. The 137 grams per litre of residual sugar is nicely balanced with the generous acidity. Plenty of spice, marmalade and dried apricot flavours. Great intensity with finesse and elegance.
Chateau Raymond-Lafon 2010 Sauternes
Points: 90
Designation: Barrel sample
Variety: Bordeaux-style White Blend, White Blend
Appellation: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Winery: Chateau Raymond-Lafon
Category: Dessert
Importer: Chateau Raymond-Lafon
Date Published: 6/25/2011
89-91 Both freshness and richness are well combined in this elegant Sauternes. What it misses in weight, it gains in honey and apricot flavors.
By Jancis Robinson
Ch Raymond Lafon 2010 Sauternes
Producer: Ch Raymond Lafon
Vintage: 2010
Appellation: Sauternes
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Score: 17.5/20
Colour: White
When to drink: 2017 - 2030
Published: 7 Feb 2014
Date tasted: 24 Jan 2014
Reviewer: Jancis Robinson
Dark copper colour. Some greenery in the nose. Round, lovely texture. Masses of acidity as well as the rich fruit. Real energy here. Ambitious wine.
Description
