2021 Bastor Lamontagne

The medium gold-hued 2021 Château Bastor-Lamontagne is a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Sémillon. It has rock-solid aromatics (as well as botrytis) of honeyed orange, toasted spices, mint, and caramelized peach. These carry to a rich, fat, fleshy effort delivering full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and just enough acidity to keep everything lively and light on its feet. I wouldn't push the aging curve, but this hedonistic Sauternes will unquestionably bring the goods over the coming decade or so.

The 2021 Bastor-Lamontagne has a well-defined nose with peach skin, quince, mandarin and light nectarine notes that cohere nicely in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a tangy marmalade- and quince-infused entry, fine depth and weight, culminating with a Tokaji-like, quite persistent finish. Full of freshness, this should age well in bottle.

The 2021 Bastor-Lamontagne is a delight. Poised, aromatic and light on its feet, it is super-expressive today. Tangerine peel, apricot, mint, pineapple, burnt sugar and passion fruit are all finely delineated. There's a real air of sophistication to the 2021. I also note more mid-palate presence and overall weight here, which is quite welcome, as Bastor had been a bit light in some previous vintages.