Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes 2025 - 1er Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

Silvio Denz has enabled the estate to further refine the quality of its wine and to fulfill its role as an ambassador for the great Sauternes wines with distinction, in a style that—thanks to its terroir—is quite similar to Yquem’s, combining a sumptuous texture with aromatic refinement in its fruitiness. But he has also extended his efforts to benefit the entire appellation by opening a luxury hotel and a top-tier gourmet restaurant dedicated to celebrating Sauternes, generously including all the neighboring estates in his promotional efforts.

In a very consistent vintage, this wine has that little something extra… The sample is deeply fruity, hedonistic, and luscious, with an exciting flavor of roasted peach. Very pure, straightforward, and gradual on the palate despite its overflowing sensuality, it masterfully balances its rich body (171 g/l—still less than the memorable 2022 and 2023 vintages), returning in the finish to a moving resemblance to fresh fruit.

Swiss businessman Silvio Denz (Château Faugères in Saint-Émilion) acquired this venerable estate, which was made famous over many years by its former owner, the Cordier family. This splendid estate produces great, classic Sauternes wines from exceptionally rich harvests, now selecting its premier wine with even greater rigor. It is at this cost that the estate achieves consistent quality, which upholds its reputation. The grapes are, of course, harvested in successive passes; pressing is carried out on old vertical presses, and the wine is aged for thirty months in barrels (grouped by vintage), one-third of which are new oak. Lafaurie-Peyraguey is distinguished by its great richness, which stems from its terroir, in contrast to the finesse of its closest neighbor, Sigalas-Rabaud.

Intense aromas of spices, saffron, and orange peel. Medium-bodied, with a concentration of extract and phenolic compounds that give it incredible length and structure. 175 g/L of residual sugar. The botrytis is pure and clean.

Caramel-nougat oranges with an intense, harmonious, and inviting bouquet. Notes of popcorn, pears, salted caramel, and crème brûlée. Dense on the palate with incredible depth, density, elegance, sweetness, and salinity, along with incisive acidity, followed by an endless, creamy finish driven by a multitude of aromas—a wine that shines without excess or exuberance, drawing solely on the resources of its terroir and the dedication of the teams led by Vincent Cruège. A truly great wine at the pinnacle of balance between sweetness, liveliness, and austerity. 2030–2100