Vinoculation

Cellar database says I bought this in 2005 out of a Sauternes tasting which was to showcase the 2001 vintage,  paired with foods you might not expect.  Smoked Salmon was a surprise match for some of the more elegant versions, as was a pork leg in a cream sauce.  I have vague recollections of this being a standout in a strong lineup that included names liek Rieussec, Giraud, Climens, and even d’Yquem despite being 2eme cru classe among Sauternes, not exactly a lofty status in that company.

6 years on, I think there must have a dent in my palate - nowadays, Sauternes consistently smells and tastes like plasticene.  Perhaps some supressed childhood experience  with sweet foods coming to the fore.

The luxurious texture of the D’Arche is immediately apparent, powered by the 14% alcohol.   The (plasticene infused) fruit set is cumquat, orange and apricots, set in a marzipan, almond like oxidative style.  A wave of front palate richness sweeps by to a back palate with a fair bit of varietal freshness about it, in the form of cut grass and lime zest.  The acids appear to have settled a bit, but as a 10 year old wine this s remarkably youthful.

An unusual palate shape, in a wine style that seems oxidative in its making.  Alcohol makes it hard to get through a full bottle between two, but pleasant nonetheless.  This is ageing very slowly and will keep much longer.  If it doesnt taste like plasticene to you, then you might enjoy this.

Cheers

Andrew