| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Sauternes and Barsac |
| Colour | Sweet White |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Doisy-Daëne
Ex-chateau bottle tasted blind in Sauternes. The Doisy-Daene '03 was a little disappointing at 10-years of age and to honest, it is not a Sauternes (or more accurately Barsac) that would have suited the warm 2003 season that would have neutered its nervosite. It has a lifted, slightly alcoholic bouquet with touches of quince and spice that feels as if its delineation has been erased. The palate is rich and spicy on the entry with notes of orange peel, dried mango and vanilla, with a slight volatility marring the Tokaji-like finish. Not a bad wine, but Denis Dubourdieu has crafted many finer wines that this. Drink now-2018
Aromas of dried pineapple, honey and peaches follow through to a full-bodied palate with medium sweetness and a spicy, lively aftertaste. Very long. Not quite the 2001, but very close. Best after 2009. 3,750 cases made.
Deep coppery gold. A little volatile but lots of depth too. Green edge. Very refreshing. Racy Barsac sort of style. Lunchtime Sauternes? Well-made and neat. Sappy and appetising. Still a trace of oak.
Waxy Semillon to smell; well balanced in a rich, fat round yet elegant style; denser ifa little less sweetly luscious than Vedrines - but a touch more length and complexity; excellent - as usual.
It is against my better judgment to taste the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes at such an early age, as I find they typically require at least 12 months to reveal the definition/delineation so essential in these creamy, creme brulee, and honeysuckle-flavored offerings. Nevertheless, because this vintage is so highly regarded, I tasted through most of the top estates. The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did.
Unlike most of my red wine tastings, this offering was only tasted once. Readers should keep in mind that this a very early, pre-bottling judgment from very unevolved wine that is not nearly as defined and easy to evaluate as the reds.
This is a rich wine, with lovely almond and apple tart colour. Full-bodied. Medium-sweet, with a square and focused character. Very good indeed.
