2011 Sauternes - Sweet Surrender?

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- In an average vintage for red Bordeaux the white wines of Sauternes are set to star in 2011. Bill Blatch, of Bordeaux Gold, thinks consumers are starting to sucumb to the charms of these naturally sweet yet incredibly complex wines:

"2011 is an outstanding year for Sauternes, the wines are incredibly fresh and vibrant while at the same time complex and full of fantastic citrus fruit flavours - they are so exciting to taste!"

He explains that Sauternes is now very much in fashion and not just as a wine to drink at the end of a meal:

"The style of Sauternes has changed and the 2011 vintage epitomises this. Wines are better balanced now with cutting acidity and richness coming together with fabulous intense fruit flavours.  They are refreshing to drink as an aperitif, impressive as celebration wines and the perfect treat after a typically long and hard busy day."

Their versatility with food is also being noticed and the top 2 star Michelin chef, Hélène Darroze, of the Connaught is a big fan:

“It's high time we re-discovered Sauternes' rich flavours, 56 amazing arômes such as lychee, pineapple, vanilla, white flowers, citrus, the notes are fresh, crystallised or peppery. Sauternes is a new young way to surprise your guests”

She believes that Sauternes can be served throughout a meal, "from soup to nuts!".

Prices for the 2011 vintage will be released shortly and are likely to be reasonable - Bill Blatch again:

"Sauternes prices have not escalated in the same way as those for red Bordeaux.  You can buy top quality Premier Cru Sauternes for the same price as some 4th or 5th Growth reds - they represent fantastic value at the moment."

Reasons enough to surrender to the 2011 Sauternes?  More information on the vintage can be found at Bill's blog at www.bordeauxgold.com