Bordeaux 2007 at Four Years: Sauternes & Barsac
The story of 2007 in Bordeaux is one of sorry disappointment enhanced by overly exuberant pricing. At least, that is the case for the red wines. When it comes to the sweet white wines of Bordeaux, however, this is a very exciting vintage (this can also be said of the dry white wines by the way, although these were not put under the microscope during this tasting). In the case of Sauternes and Barsac, this has been apparent from the outset.
The Story so Far
The wines had freshness of flavour when tasted at the primeurs, and also a vibrant and energetic acidity. They seemed to major on balance and precision, more than weight or botrytis. I stated after the primeur tastings (so this was said in early 2008) that this was the next best vintage for Sauternes in recent years after 2001, although it was the delightful brightness and definition that attracted me to the wines rather than texture or weight. Returning to the vintage at two years of age I was still hugely impressed; “I have let my pen and scores run wild“, I wrote. Four years on and I remain convinced that my early judgement was correct; indeed, as the wines have gained in weight and texture since the primeur tastings, I find them more and more endearing. Looking back over the last ten years, placing this vintage second only to 2001 was a good call at the time (although we might have another contender for this position now that we have to throw the lusciously sweet 2009s into the mix).
