2003 Lafaurie Peyraguey
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Lafaurie-Peyraguey has demonstrated some bottle variation in the past, although this example was positive. Deeper in color than many recent vintages, it has a gorgeous, expressive bouquet with scents of manuka honey, acacia, marmalade and subtle marine-like aromas that should be applauded for their precision given the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied and unctuous in texture, well balanced and poised, with quince and mandarin vying for attention toward the finish. A residue of spice lingers on the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at home.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2003 has a deep amber/golden color. The nose is typical of the 2003 Sauternes with marmalade, orange peel, peach skin, touches of sea spray developing with time. There is good vigor and the aromatics are very open. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity considering the vintage: quince, mandarin, Chinese five spice and bitter orange towards the finish. This is one of the best 2003 Sauternes out there.
Yellow-gold. Knockout nose combines apricot jam, peach, white plum and spicy, vanillin oak. Lush and fat with fruit; opulent and seamless. Wonderfully concentrated flavors of peach, nectarine and spices, with a whiff of menthol adding complexity. Fat and sweet but with lovely freshness and lift; in fact, this is showing more shape and thrust than it did from barrel a year ago. Finishes long and spicy, with very strong fruit. This is already delicious.
Rather muted nose, but with a very good botrytis component. Relatively light, but definitely racy with really good acidity. Some green notes. (JR)