Clos Haut-Peyraguey 2011

First Grand Cru Classé in Sauternes in 1855

Clos Haut-Peyraguey is the smallest of the 1st Grands Crus Classés de Sauternes in 1855. Its surface area is 8.5 ha, all in one piece within an enclosure, on the northeast slope of the property, opposite Château d'Yquem. Peyraguey, whose name means hill or promontory, is an ancient barony acquired in the 18th century by the President of the Bordeaux Parliament. Monsieur Lafaurie acquired the estate during the French Revolution. In 1879, the estate was split in two: the higher lands at the top of the Bommes hill were named Clos Haut- Peyraguey. The Garbay-Pauly family owned the estate from 1914, until Bernard Magrez acquired the 1st Grand Cru Classé at the end of 2012.

Features

Appellation : AOC Sauternes
Density: 6,600 plants/ha
Age of vines: 40 years
Soil type: Gravelly-sandy soil on clay subsoil
Grape varieties: 95% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon
Blend: 95% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon

Tasting

Powerful and complex, this wine adds notes of yellow stone fruit, mango and acacia blossom to the toastiness of its ageing. The palate reveals imposing volume and substance, opulent but not heavy, underpinned right through to the long finish by fine-tuned freshness. A superb classic, which will reveal itself even more with age.

Food & wine pairing

Foie gras
Blue cheese
Desserts
Exotic dishes
Poultry

Conservation

10-30 years

Product from a High Environmental Value farm

SME: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BORDEAUX WINES

Ratings & Awards

94/100
WINE ENTHUSIAST
93/100
Wine Advocate

94/100

WINE ENTHUSIAST

"With its initial impression of pronounced dryness, this wine is clearly structured. It is dense, rich and concentrated, with fine tannins, spice and a strong orange zest character. Refreshing acidity brings vivacity to this ripe, full-bodied wine."

93/100

Wine Advocate

"The fabulous Clos Haut Peyraguey presents a slightly restrained nose that opens up nicely in the glass to reveal a patina of mineral-rich, slightly botrytized fruit, almost pixelated in its clarity. The palate is medium-bodied, with a waxy texture on entry. It's very harmonious, although at this early stage, the creamy new oak is slightly dominant and detracts from its tension. However, I am confident that this will be fully assimilated by bottling and that the complexity and harmony of this Sauternes cannot be avoided. I would give it more time in bottle than other Sauternes. Enjoy it from 2016 to 2030 and beyond.