2005 Château Lafaurie Peyraguey Sauternes (375 mL)

Few wines can generate a lingering glow quite like a great bottle of Sauternes—especially a First Growth from one of the classic Bordeaux vintages of this century. Gloriously rich and perfectly aged, this 2005 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a golden elixir fit for the gods.

Intoxicating aromas of apricot, macerated fig, and preserved lemon twine gracefully with clover honey, saffron, and toasted almond, while a touch of vanilla and clove add intrigue with every swirl. Though luxuriously full-bodied, the wine’s zesty acidity remains lifted and energetic, bringing everything into extraordinary clarity. The honeyed stone fruit and citrus character is luscious, yet never cloying, pleasantly enveloping the senses with complex flourishes of ginger and exotic spices before delivering exquisite intensity on the finish.

Situated on a hilltop facing Château d’Yquem, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a Premier Grand Cru Classé, one of 11 Sauternes estates recognized as First Growths. It shares much of the same gravelly clay terroir as its illustrious neighbor, affording the wine its exceptional aromatic complexity.

Bordeaux’s sensational 2005 vintage resulted in tiny, perfect grapes. Decanter wrote, “in terms of power and elegance, 2005 may well become one of Sauternes’ most classic,” comparing it with the landmark 1949, 1921, 1906, and 1899 vintages. It was a drought year without extreme heat: a warm, dry summer with cool nights helped the grapes maintain balanced levels of acidity.

Wine Access members snapped up the last Lafaurie-Peyraguey we offered from the similarly sultry 2003 vintage; the 2005 is just as concentrated with an extra dose of tension and brightness. Just entering its prime, this 95-point library wine will remain nimble on its feet for decades to come.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 13.50%
• 15 mins
• Now – 2029
• 93% Sémillon6% Sauvignon Blanc1% Muscadelle
• Serving temperature – 45°
• Cork