2009 Rabaud-Promis

05/05/10

Just down the slope from Yquem and up the next lies one of our long-time favourite values in Sauternes. At the beginning of September, proprietor Philippe Dejean had very ripe and healthy grapes at Chateau Rabaud-Promis, but no sign of the noble rot needed for great Sauternes. There was then 35mm of rain and, says Philippe, 'an explosion of botrytis'. Archetypal Sauternes without breaking the bank - and an excellent contrast to Barsac's Doisy-Daene at exactly the same price. The chateau have kindly sent us a barrel sample which we have open for tasting today.

'My best rating ever given to this wine during futures campaigns. This is another estate which regularly expresses the subtle character of the sweet wines made from botrytis. Showing a yellow green color with a pure and fine nose of botrytis character, this wine performs superb on entry, both dense and ethereal at the same time, developing all in softness, with vibrancy as well as a melting and ethereal texture. It also proves impossible not to swallow. In opposition to what is generally believed about sweet white wines, this 2009 Rabaud Promis offers a fresh finish, along with a subtle lemon character. It is the best wine that I have ever tasted from that estate. Bravo! 94 points.' - Jean-Marc Quarin, quarin.com

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