2001 Chateau La Tour Blanche Premier Cru Classe, Sauternes 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 2001 La Tour Blanche has a finely knit bouquet of yellow flowers mixed with wild honey, acacia and white peach. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and almost unctuous in the mouth, showing what feels like more residual sugar than its peers. Voluminous and mouth-filling on the finish but missing the tension that would take it up a level. Still, this is a hedonistic delight. [Neal Martin, 29/09/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2040

Robert Parker 96

The La Tour Blanche 2001 has long been the "insiders’ Sauternes" for the vintage. Leave the Yquem ’01 for the millionaires: load up on one of the finest recent vintages from the estate. It has a potent honeyed, frangipane and white flower-scented bouquet with subtle nougat scents in the background lending it an exotic edge. The palate is extremely well balanced with fine acidity effortlessly slicing a swathe through that unctuous, honeyed fruit. There are also understated marmalade notes with a suggestion of creme brulee furnishing the weighty finish that goes on and on. Just don’t tell anyone how good this La Tour Blanche is…promise? [Neal Martin, 01/10/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2040