Wines Sauternes Sichel - 2003

Viniou Reviews

This Sauternes from Château Sichel, vintage 2003, exemplifies the exceptional sweet wines hailing from this prestigious Bordeaux subregion. Crafted predominantly from Sémillon, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, Sauternes owes its unique character to the phenomenon of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The 2003 vintage in Sauternes was marked by a hot and dry summer, which contributed to highly concentrated, rich and opulent wines, balancing luscious sweetness with a vibrant acidity. The grapes, painstakingly harvested in multiple passes, ferment and age in oak barrels, imparting complex notes and a velvety texture to the final wine.

Sauternes is situated in the southern part of Bordeaux, near the confluence of the Garonne and Ciron rivers. This geographical interaction creates morning mists that are essential for botrytis development, while the afternoon sun ensures ripening. The region's gravelly and clay-limestone soils offer excellent drainage and provide the ideal conditions for cultivating the grapes used in these world-renowned dessert wines. With a winemaking history dating back centuries, Sauternes has achieved legendary status for its ability to produce wines of remarkable ageing potential and complexity.

Pairing this Château Sichel Sauternes with food calls for dishes that embrace its sweet richness and aromatic intensity. Classic choices include foie gras, where the wine's honeyed notes and acidity cut through the dish's richness, or blue cheeses such as Roquefort, which find harmony in the wine's sweetness. On the dessert side, fruit tarts, especially those featuring apricots or peaches, make a delightful match. For a traditional touch, consider local Gascon cuisine like a chicken with morels or even spiced duck, which beautifully complement the wine's layers.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Sauternes slightly chilled, at 10-12°C. Decanting is generally unnecessary, but allowing the wine a few minutes to open in the glass will help reveal its full aromatic spectrum. Savour its golden hue and complex bouquet, and take time to appreciate the evolution of flavours as the wine breathes.