- 2022 Louis Eschenauer Sauternes, Bordeaux, France ($9.99@Trader Joe’s, California)
How Sauternes gets created is pretty fascinating stuff. At least my left brain thinks so…
Sauternes refers to a wine region, which is located within the Graves district south of Bordeaux. Sauternes is devoted to producing unfortified, sweet, white wines. The region is planted largely to Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris and…Semillon, which plays the starring role if for no other resason than it is especially susceptible to “noble rot”.
Sauternes is the result of a very specific micro-climate. Its communes are close to two rivers: the Garonne and its tributary the Ciron. In autumn, when the cool waters of the Ciron flow into the warmer, tidal Garonne, evening mists dampen the vineyards which hang heavy with ripe winegrapes. This moist atmosphere encourages the growth of a fungus (botrytis cinerea, if you must know) that causes the grape bunches to shrivel and, well, begin to rot. But it is a NOBLE rot, mind you. The French say so, and I think they are right, because it produces some of the most delicious and expensive wines in the world. A 375ml half bottle of Chateau d’Yquem (without question the most sought after Sauternes) from a more recent vintage can set you back over $300. Trader Joe’s can now introduce you to the magic of Sauternes for $10.
Is it d’Yquem? No, but it will serve as a good high QPR introduction to Sauternes. (BTW, d’Yquem is pronounced deh-KEM, you’re welcome.)
When you think about it, how Sauternes is born is not entirely different than ice wine. Both are left on the wines long after the grapes for dry, white table wines have been harvested, they are left to hang on the vines awaiting the thing that will cause their berries to shrivel and lose water content. In one case it is a French fungus, and in the others it is freezing temperatures. The results is the same – a dessert wine that is a melange of sweet honeyed fruit flavors. I would add that both are probably at high risk due to climate change.
Tasting Notes:
Pours a straw yellow color. Rich perfume of white orchard flowers, apricots and honey. In the mouth the wine is an explosion of crystallised citrus, apricot jam and orange marmalade, with an excellent balance between acidity and rich natural sugars. Best enjoyed with the cheese course at the Hotel Plaisance high atop the village of St. Emilion. ABV = 13%.
Need More Wine Picks from Costco – or Trader Joe’s Even?
If your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
And if your shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, you can find our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
Remember as alway, let us know if you find something you think we should know about. We will give you a shout out in our review for “sniffing it out” for us.
Cheers!
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