2007 Chateau Dauphine Rondillon, Loupiac, Cuvee d’Or, Sweet Bordeaux White Wine, France.
This wonderful and noble rot infused sweet wine is from Loupiac across the Gironde river from it’s more famous cousins Barsac and Sauternes and is a seriously joyfully unctuous dessert style white. The Chateau Dauphine Rondillon Loupiac 2007 Cuvee d’Or is not cloying or ultra honeyed, it shows a fine balance and finesse, it is a cuvee of Semillon (all Loupiac must have at least 80% Semillon) with a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle as well adding complexity, vitality and aromatics. Loupiac is the sweet wine, while the region’s dry white and reds are called Entre-deux-Mers and Cadillac, the vines are set on clay and gravelly soils which suit the Semillon and Merlot best, with the whites doing better overall here, especially the sweeter style which pick up the Botrytis that imparts the powerful intensity and concentration of flavors. The Dauphine Rondillon Loupiac is wonderfully smooth and textured with a nose of yellow fruits, white flowers and citrus leading to a richly decedent palate of apricot, lemon curd, orange zest and peachy fruits along with honeycomb, creme brûlée and tangerine sorbet notes. There is still a bit of perky acidity, earth and spice to keep things lively, and while sweet it drinks with enough contrast that you can enjoy this Loupiac with more than just dessert, sometimes it is fun to pair with salty/briny foods like oysters, though most people will find it very charming with cheeses, in particular the more pungent styles, and of course the less sweet French country tarts or custards. The Chateau Dauphine Rondillon Cuvee d’Or is a very solid effort with a gorgeous golden hue and is a great value in a long lived Sauternes style wine and this 2007 is especially appealing, drink from 2016 to 2024.
($30 Est. 375ml-Half-Bottle) 91 Points, grapelive
