Sémillon

Tyrrell's Wines

Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2011

See previous Delectable note in December 2024. Amazingly pale for a 14 year old white. Aromatics of lemon, lanolin and wet straw. It hasn’t yet developed the toasty characters I was expecting, indicating still a long life ahead. Overall this is delicate on a light bodied leanish palate. Only 11% ABV. Lovers of big buttery Chardonnay may not appreciate this wine. 3 bottles left - I will try and have the next one in 12 to 18 months. — 18 days ago

Dave, Tom and 24 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Bob McDonald, I am envious, but too old as well to be buying wines like this that have barely evolved after a decade. Cheers!
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Doug Powers That is a reality facing me as well Doug but it doesn’t stop me buying certain Burgundies however. I guess someone will enjoy them one day.

Carlisle Winery & Vineyards

The Derivative Sonoma County Sémillon Blend 2013

Might be a smidgen past its prime. However, still drank pretty decently. This may be my first wine to include the grape Palomino. I always thought it was a horse. Carlisle known for its Zins primarily put together a really interesting blend. Glad I tried it.  — 5 days ago

Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan Blanc White Bordeaux Blend 2020

Pop and pour. A splendid light straw color. On the nose: subtle notes of lemon, grass, Asian pear, brioche. Taste: lean, chalky wine with lemon, grapefruit, minerals, and a sour lime finish. Works with all the fresh fish tonight. — 25 days ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Rick and 15 others liked this

Château Coutet

Sauternes-Barsac Sémillon Blend 2008

Medium light lemon gold , quite young looking . Aromatic apricot , white flowers , saffron , honey and citrus peel . On the palate quite rich with barley sugar , saffron , lemon peel , apricot , decent acidity , and ok length with apricot and honied lemon peel finish . Not overly complex but well balanced , with ok acidity , drinking perfectly now . Now and over the next 10 years — 10 days ago

Tom, Andrew and 10 others liked this

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2016

First time having the pleasure. Ok, I get it. Unctuous and thicc. Searching every corner of my palate for one more ethereal drop of elixir. Grilled peach and apricot drizzled with vanilla extract. Is that sugar I’m chewing on?
The money though?
— 17 days ago

Bob, Jonathan and 7 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

If you can find it, try Château de Fargues for Sauternes.

Château Climens

Barsac 1er Cru Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 1973

Alive and kicking! And beautiful at that. The balance you want and come to expect in a top notch Sauternes between sugar, alcohol, fruits.
— 13 days ago

Château de Fargues

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2002

Vintage 2002 | wonderful vintage with apricot in smell and a vital, vibrant taste with nice acidity | paired with Blue de Gex | at Les Rousses — 20 hours ago

Dave, Eric and 7 others liked this

Château Suduiraut

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2003

Château Suduiraut – Sémillon 2003 (Sauternes)
Graves, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Crafted primarily from Sémillon, Château Suduiraut is one of Sauternes’ premier estates, producing wines shaped by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The warm 2003 vintage gave concentration and richness, while time in bottle has deepened its complexity. (Educational note: Sémillon’s thick skins make it particularly susceptible to botrytis, producing the honeyed intensity Sauternes is famous for.)

Aromas & Flavors
Opulent notes of dried apricot, candied orange peel, and golden raisin layered with honey, saffron, and caramelized pineapple. Secondary tones of almond, vanilla, and beeswax show the maturity of two decades.

Mouthfeel
Lusciously full-bodied, with velvety sweetness cut by balanced acidity. The palate is rich and textured, gliding into a lingering finish of dried fruit, spice, and honeyed depth.

Food Pairings
A classic match with foie gras or blue cheese. Also pairs beautifully with fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or even spicy Asian dishes for contrast.

Verdict
A magnificent aged Sauternes — decadent yet balanced, carrying the warmth of 2003 with elegance. Honeyed, textural, and endlessly layered, this is a benchmark for botrytised sweet wines. 🍯🍷cheers!

Did You Know?
Sémillon makes up the majority of Sauternes blends, often complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Its thick skin and natural waxiness make it ideal for noble rot, creating the world’s most legendary dessert wines.

Collector’s Rarity 📌
Château Suduiraut, a Premier Cru Classé estate from the 1855 classification, produces limited amounts of Sauternes each year — with older vintages like 2003 increasingly rare treasures in the market.
— 10 days ago

Andrew and Ted liked this