Chateau de Myrat 2001

This is very ripe, with a sweet-and-sour character of lemon, limes and maple syrup. Full-bodied, sweet and tangy. Very rich and long. Sweet and wild. Extremely well done. Best after 2007. 3,330 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Amber in colour, burnt orange peel on the nose and an attractive smokiness through the palate. The texture is supple and silky, almost slippery. The 118g/l of residual sugar remains evident in its weight and richness, but as it opens the dried apricot character takes over, giving a more savoury, spiced character to the finish. Overall this is an enjoyable wine with attractive autumnal character, if not huge complexity. Harvest through to October 20.

The 2001 Château de Myrat has a relatively light but focused bouquet of yellow flowers, Aszú and saffron notes; touches of almond and French patisserie emerge with time. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening. Tangy marmalade, quince and orange peel intermingle with saffron and subtle ginger notes, fanning out confidently toward the finish. This is maturing with style and panache, one of several Sauternes that has improved in recent years.

Fully mature, the wine struts its honeyed tropical fruits—pineapple, apricot—and a strong candied orange personality. Sweet, medium-bodied, fairly priced, and ready to go.

Intense, dense yellow. Open bouquet with slight apple notes, fruit seeming cooked, hints of pineapple. On the palate, again a pronounced pineapple character, lively acidity, well-balanced sweetness, fully focused on fruit and finesse, will offer plenty of enjoyment when young.

This is one of the finest wines produced by the estate. The colour is superb, and the slightly more oaky nose stands out with an elegant smoky character. On the palate, it offers striking roastiness and impressive breadth and substance.

02: Intensive, dense yellow. Open bouquet with a slight apple note; the fruit seems cooked and shows pineapple notes. On the palate, again clear exotic fruit, lively acidity with well-balanced sweetness, focused entirely on fruit and finesse. Will be great fun young. 18/20 2005–2040