Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Domaine Vacheron – Sancerre 2015
Loire Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
From one of Sancerre’s most respected biodynamic estates, Vacheron crafts Sauvignon Blancs with precision, purity, and unmistakable terroir character. Tasting a 10-year-old Sancerre is rare, as most are enjoyed young—but this 2015 shows surprising resilience and depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Candied lemon peel stands out alongside subtle citrus oil, quince, and a faint touch of almond. The classic flinty minerality of Sancerre still hums beneath, though softened by time. A hint of oxidative nuttiness peeks through—expected with age—but adds intrigue rather than distraction.

Mouthfeel
Mouthwatering acidity remains alive, giving freshness even at a decade old. Medium-bodied, textural, and persistent, finishing with a gentle grip of minerality and citrus zest.

Food Pairing
Pairs well with aged goat cheeses (Crottin de Chavignol is a must), grilled white fish, or even poultry with lemon-herb sauce. Its aged nuance also makes it a fine companion for mushroom risotto.

Verdict
A Sancerre that defies expectations with its longevity. While youth usually showcases sharp vibrancy, this 2015 proves that time can reveal a different elegance: layered, slightly oxidative, yet still minerally precise. A rewarding surprise for anyone curious about how Sauvignon Blanc ages. Cheers! — 15 days ago

Christian Fischer

9.4

Ah yes, what I needed after a long week. Crisp and clean like this Chardonnay champagne should be. Hits the mark — 21 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Light lemon color with aromas of citrus, tropical fruits and floral notes. On the palate flavors of grapefruit, green apple and pear fruit flavors, slight grassy tones, lively acidity. Medium+ finish ending with fruit, herbal, floral, citrus and mineral notes. Do not over chill so you can experience all of the nuances while you sip this fine wine. Nice, consistent. — 25 days ago

Ming L

9.2

I tasted this same 2010 about a year ago and wondered it would improve with further aging. I think the answer is yes.

This time around it shows more layered profile, with bruised apple, honeysuckle, beeswax, citrus peel, and wet stone leading the nose. The palate is broad and textured. Acidity has shaved off some hard edges, yet remains focus and intense. Engaging long finish. — 9 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.1

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

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Pale lemon color with aromas of citrus and tropical fruit and floral notes. On the palate flavors of grapefruit, green apple and pear fruit flavors with lemongrass and grassy tones, lively acidity. Medium+ finish ending with fruit, herbal, floral, lemongrass and salty mineral notes. Do not over chill so you can experience all of the nuances while you sip this fine wine. — 25 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Go 9ers!
Great wine to start the season, loads of Chardonnay flavors, brioche and biscuit on the finish. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Pale straw color with green edges and aromas of citrus and tropical fruits adding floral herb notes. On the palate apricot, peach and pineapple with lemon zest, classic New Zealand SB. Lively acidity and spice complement this wine, well balanced ending on medium finish. — 6 days ago

Paul J

9.5

1hr decant. Dark red color. Very similar to previous notes/vintages. Dark cherries, cedar, caramel etc. Medium depth and finish. — 13 days ago

with Brooke

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

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