Sauternes Carmes de Reuissec 2017

An incredible sweet wine. A passito that comes from botrytised grapes, that is, affected by the so-called noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea, which promotes the loss of water from the berries and the concentration of typical and unmistakable aromas. The name of this wine proposed by Château Rieussec, Carmelites de Rieussec, refers to the Carmelite monks of Langon, who owned the estate in the 18th century. Eighty percent Sémillon, with Sauvignon and Muscadelle sharing the remaining 20 percent, this elegant end-of-meal wine has a beautiful golden yellow color with great luster. The nose is surprising in its delicacy; in fact, thanks to a skillful use of wood, the barrel notes are barely perceptible, while leaving in the wine an unmistakable memory of vanilla and toastiness. Otherwise, it is a triumph of candied fruit and jam, from apricot to well-ripened melon. In the mouth, the wine opens up as the minutes pass. It starts out light, almost timid, and then grows in power without losing elegance and finesse. The finish is long and precise. Good already, it will reach its peak in a few years. Serve, slightly chilled, alongside a nice slice of fruit cake.