2011 Rabaud Promis, Sauternes (375ml) (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1092436 94-96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Picked from the September 15-30 over two tries and cropped at 9.5 hectoliters per hectare, the stunning 2011 Rabaud Promis has a more delicate, feminine nose than its peers, unfurling teasingly with enticing, pure apricot and quince aromas. The palate is rounded and sweet on the entry with very good weight and an utterly seductive essence of purity. It simply caresses the mouth and builds gradually to a beautifully composed finish. This is a superb 2011 Sauternes that comes highly recommended, perhaps as fine as the 1988 or 2001. Drink 2014-2035. (4/ 2012)

94-96 points Wine Enthusiast

This wine dances so easily on the palate, yet still has the weight and richness of the year. There is a delicacy here, followed by an even denser intensity. It charms now, but will surely age over many years. (4/ 2012)

91-94 points Wine Spectator

Still quite youthful, with a light yeasty edge that needs to be absorbed, but there's unctuous apricot, orange peel, fig, date and persimmon notes and a long, dried tangerine-filled finish. Backward, but the pieces are there. (4/ 2012)

92-93 points James Suckling

A deep and powerful Sauternes with a dense mouth feel and very sweet palate. Round yet lively. Spicy and beautiful. What it doesn't have a sheer complexity, it has in richness. (4/ 2012)