Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to uncork a bottle of the Chateau La Tour Blanche 2009, a Sauternes that truly sings to the senses. Produced in the Bordeaux region of France, Sauternes is an iconic sweet wine, and this 2009 vintage, a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, is no exception.
As I decanted the wine, the first thing that struck me was its color – a beautiful, deep golden hue that promised richness and depth. On the nose, the wine was a cornucopia of fragrant honey, ripe apricots, and subtle vanilla undertones, with hints of caramel and toasty oak. Each swirl of the glass seemed to unlock new layers of complexity.
The anticipation grew as I finally took my first sip. The rich, luscious notes of the bouquet translated flawlessly onto the palate. The honeyed apricot and vanilla were beautifully intertwined, with a delightful backdrop of caramel and a touch of spice. The wine was sweet, yes, but its vibrant acidity cut through the sweetness, providing balance and preventing it from becoming cloying.
To complement this treasure, we prepared a homemade French apple tart. The tartness of the apples and the buttery, flaky pastry was the perfect counterpoint. The pairing was heavenly, each bite of the tart enhancing the flavors of the wine, and each sip of the wine bringing out the best in the tart.
The Chateau La Tour Blanche 2009 truly shone in this pairing, proving once again why Sauternes is considered one of the world’s greatest dessert wines. Remember, the world of wine is full of bounty waiting to be discovered. Until next time, Santé!
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