Chateau Doisy-Vedrines Barsac Sauternes 2011

About

Chateau Doisy-Vedrines, the largest of the Doisy estates and a 2eme Cru Classe Barsac property has been owned by the Castéja family since 1946. The family also own Batailley and Trotte Vieille.

Doisy-Vedrines’s 27 hectares of vineyards are situated on the highest plateau in Barsac and are planted with 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. The grapes are picked in several “tries” and the yields are painfully low, even by Sauternes standards. Fermentation starts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats for around a week before the must is transferred to 100% new oak barriques. The wine remains in barrique for 18-20 months.

Doisy-Vedrines is one of the richest and most full-bodied wines in Barsac and it significantly uses the Sauternes AC rather than the Barsac one. It needs at least 5 years of bottle ageing and the best vintages will keep for up to 25 years.

Chateau Doisy-Vedrines Barsac Sauternes 2011 has a very fragrant, almost floral bouquet with pure honey, quince and yellow flower scents that soar from the glass and embrace you like your favourite aunt. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous texture and superb acidity that really set this Sauternes alight: real tension and a sense of energy here. It just “flows” toward a vibrant, honeyed finish that has only just begun to “motor.”” This surpasses its showing from barrel and constitutes a magnificent effort from Olivier Casteja and his team.