As we wrap up Wine 301, we’ll head to dessert, and Sèmillion, with Sauternes.

Sémillon

Sèmillon is a fresh, clean varietal that creates wines with broad, mouthfeeling textures.  The flavors of the wine are lush and fruity, with plenty of lemon, peach, and floral notes.  Frequently blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux blends, it picks up lift from the other varietal, adding a good sparkling acidity.  The most common area where Sèmillon shines is in the dessert wine Sauternes, with honeyed sweetness and beautiful acidity.

While most of the Bordeaux Sèmillion is lush, Australia makes amazing examples from the Hunter Valley.  These wines are taut, and powerfully built with huge acidity and aging potential.  When they transform, they can provide amazing honeyed, nutty flavors with a rich texture.

Quick Facts on Sèmillon

Color:  White
Style: Dry to Sweet
Body:   Moderate
General Characteristics:   Dry: Lemon, Peach, Floral, Papaya  Sweet:  Lemon Curd, Peach, Honey, Quince
Notable Regions:  Bordeaux (France), Hunter Valley (Australia)

Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes 2013

Finding cheap Sauternes is a challenge in and of itself.  However, if you’re willing to pay $16, Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes may offer an option.

Sight:  A beautiful gold with just the slightest hint of emerald.

Smell:  Lemon curd and honey start things off, and a little bit of ginger and musk get into play. Touches of peach preserves and marzipan add depth.

Sip:  The body is full thanks to the sugar.  There’s good acidity present from the start, and it instantly starts off with honey and a peach-pear medley.  Touches of honey suckle and green fig join in, adding a slightly citrus pith element to the flavor.

Savor:  The ending brings in a clover honey with a bit of lime and lingers with elements of preserved peaches.

Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes has a beautiful honey sweetness, and just a hint of pithiness.  The flavors are well balanced, and perfect for dessert.  Fruit tarts and holiday pies should make for good match.  With the acidity, this vintage should last and continue to age and develop for years to come.   Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes is a worth while taste of a great tradition in Bordeaux.

Verdict:  Honey, Preserved Peaches, Lime, Pear, Sweet
Rating: 89
Price: $16
Bordeaux, France
Blend: 87% Sémillon – 8% Sauvignon Blanc – 5% Muscadelle