Wines Sauternes Raymond Lafon - 2010

Château Raymond-Lafon 2010 is a sweet white wine from the prestigious Sauternes AOC, located in the Sauternais subregion of Bordeaux, France. This wine is crafted primarily from Sémillon, often supplemented with Sauvignon Blanc and occasionally Muscadelle. The 2010 vintage enjoyed favourable conditions, marked by a warm, dry end to the growing season, allowing for optimal noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) development which is essential for producing the luscious, honeyed character Sauternes is renowned for. The careful harvesting is often done by hand in several passes (tries) through the vineyard to select grapes at perfect botrytised ripeness. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing and fermentation, followed by extended barrel ageing, often in French oak, imbuing the wine with subtle spice and complex textures.

The Sauternes region benefits from a unique microclimate induced by the confluence of the Garonne and Ciron rivers. Morning mists foster the growth of noble rot, while warm, sunny afternoons prevent the grapes from spoiling, resulting in remarkably concentrated, sweet wines with vibrant acidity. The soils are largely gravel, clay and sand, providing excellent drainage and imparting a mineral underpinning to the final wine. Sauternes, with centuries-old winemaking traditions and celebrated estates, holds an esteemed place in the world of dessert wines.

Château Raymond-Lafon 2010 pairs beautifully with blue cheeses such as Roquefort, whose saline tang is balanced by the wine’s sweetness. Equally, foie gras – either torchon or pan-seared – is a classic Bordelais match, as the rich, buttery flavours are enlivened by the wine’s acidity and notes of apricot, honey and almond. For a main, try a spicy Asian dish with aromatic duck, or simply enjoy it with a fruit-based dessert like tarte Tatin or poached pears.

For best enjoyment, serve this Sauternes chilled, ideally at 10-12°C. This allows its complex aromas of dried fruits, candied citrus and floral honey to reveal themselves fully, while maintaining the wine’s vibrancy and elegance. If opened young, decanting for a short period can help aerate and open the wine further.