2009 Raymond Lafon
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Raymond-Lafon has a bouquet that is entering full maturity with honeysuckle, quince and light waxy aromas. There's good intensity here, perhaps more than the 2010 at the moment. The palate is vibrant on the entry with plenty of botrytised fruit and a keen line of acidity, spicier than the 2010 with a harmonious, marmalade- and quince-infused finish. Almost Tokaji-like, this is a superb Sauternes.
Critic scores
Average Score
Decanter
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Raymond-Lafon has a slightly smudged bouquet although it gains clarity with time, offering pineapple and peach skin, lanolin and honeysuckle aromas. The palate is well balanced with a fresh entry, slightly edge thanks to the acidity with good concentration and persistence towards the tropical-tinged finish. Good potential. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
Pale gold colored, the 2009 Raymond-Lafon gives compelling marmalade, honey nut, pineapple upside down cake and burnt sugar notes with wafts of petrol and paraffin wax. Opulent with savory undertones, the palate delivers loads of citrus fruit sparks among the richness, with a racy backbone and long, fruity finish. While showing some evolution, this still has plenty of cellaring potential.
RS 136 g/l. Tasted blind. Burnished and a bit metallic (in a good way, because it makes it more refreshing). Lively. Leathery tannins on the end. Definitely deliberately not too sweet. (JR)