
2021 Sauternes Vintage - Philip Stephenson-Oliver
The Sauternes vintage proved to be remarkably challenging this year. However, for those estates that managed to produce a limited quantity of wine, the quality is exceptional. The frost in April posed a significant threat, especially in Barsac where temperatures plummeted to -5°C on April 7th, leading to a complete loss for certain properties. Further challenges arose from summer mildew and sporadic hail. Yields, which are naturally low in Sauternes, were a staggering 80% below the 10-year average in 2021. Notable estates such as Climens, Doisy-Dubroca, Doisy-Védrines, Filhot, Guiraud, de Malle, Myrat, Nairac, and Rabaud-Promis were unable to produce any wine this year. However, for those fortunate enough to have a harvest, often just a quarter-glass per vine, the quality shines. This is attributed to a lengthy, cool growing season that facilitated the late but prosperous development of healthy botrytis, thriving in the favorable warmth and sunlight of early autumn. Esteemed properties including de Fargues, Suduiraut, Rayne-Vigneau, Sigalas-Rabaud, and Bastor Lamontagne have managed to craft intense, evocative, well-balanced, yet opulent and concentrated wines. - Philip Stephenson-Oliver