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Oh , Sweet Bordeaux........................
In late spring, I attended Vinoble, www.vinoble.org an international sweet and fortified wine event held in Jerez, Spain every two years. It is a gathering of attendees from all over the world with master classes, seminars and tastings of Tokaji, Icewine/Eiswein, Madeira, Blended Sherries- just to name a few, along with winemakers participating in discussions and showcasing their noble wines. A vertical tasting of Château d'Yquem: 2007, 2000, 1996 and 1990 was the highlight of the four day exhibition for me.
At the Bordeaux table, I tasted wines from Cadillac, Lupiac, Barsac and Sauternes. A standout was 2005 Château la Bertrande "Summum", D.O. AOC Cadillac made from 100% Semillon; two years in new oak. With its botrytis nose and honeyed tastes, it is perfect with my Peach Almond Tart. Ripe peaches, pitted and sliced, are tossed with a touch of cinnamon sugar and layered over vanilla mascarpone. Topped with almonds, here is a dessert to pair with this exquisite wine.
Another memorable wine, is 2006 Château Lamothe-Guignard, D.O. Sauternes, a 2ème Cru Classé made from 85% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle, 5% Sauvignon Blanc. Although primarily Semillon, the Muscadelle contributes a fruitiness element. Rich and concentrated with good botrytis character, it has sweet tastes and a creamy mouthfeel. Les Langues-de-Chat (Cats' Tongues) - "melt in your mouth" French butter cookies are a perfect accompaniment to this Sauternes.
www.chateau-lamothe-guignard.fr
2005 Château Coutet, 1er Cru Classé, (not presented at Vinoble this year) is my wine of choice from Barsac. With Semillon as the main varietal, there is also Sauvignon Blanc. Medium gold in color with a slight botrytis nose, there are aromas of honeysuckle and some pineapple. A lush mouthfeel with citrus tastes of orange, tangerine and slight grapefruit, it has a lingering finish. Paired with an Apple Raisin Cake, I macerate both dark and golden raisins in a small amount of Château Coutet for a delightful treat...tres bien!
I like to drink these wines late afternoon with simple desserts, just enough sweetness to enjoy both and prolong my craving for sweet Bordeaux! DELICIOUS
