Chateau Laville Sauternes 2019

Château Laville Sauternes 2019 is produced in the renowned Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, France, celebrated for its luscious and complex sweet wines. The region's unique microclimate, characterised by morning mists and warm afternoons, creates ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), which concentrates sugars and enhances flavours in the grapes. Château Laville, with its 14 hectares of gravelly soils underpinned by limestone, exemplifies the quality and tradition of Sauternes winemaking.

This wine is a blend of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Sémillon provides the richness and honeyed complexity that define Sauternes, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes fresh acidity and aromatic lift. The resulting wine is sweet, intense, and beautifully balanced, showcasing the region's hallmark style.

The botrytised grapes were hand-harvested over multiple passes through the vineyard to ensure optimal ripeness and concentration. After gentle pressing with pneumatic and hydraulic presses, fermentation occurred at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine's vibrant fruit and aromatics. The wine was then aged for 30 months in new 400-litre oak casks, imparting layers of complexity and spice.

The 2019 vintage is bright golden yellow in colour. The nose is vibrant and expressive, with aromas of fresh citrus, candied fruit, and marmalade, interwoven with subtle rye bread spice. The palate is rich and layered, featuring flavours of dried fig, orange blossom, and sweet spices, balanced by a mouthwatering acidity. The wine's sweetness is perfectly harmonised, leading to a remarkably long finish.

This sweet wine is an ideal match for blue cheeses like Roquefort, or creamy desserts such as tarte tatin or crème brûlée. It also pairs beautifully with lighter options, including fresh fruit tarts or poached pears. Serve slightly chilled at 10–12°C.