PRODUCER

Jean-Christophe Barbe studied at the University of Bordeaux and did his thesis on 'pourriture noble', or noble rot, the botrytis that makes Sauternes so special. Today, he instructs the youth of Bordeaux in winemaking while running the family property, Château Laville, in Sauternes. Château Delmond is the second wine of Château Laville.

VINEYARDS

Jean-Christophe Barbe's vineyards are located in the commune of Preignac. He has 13 hectares which all qualify for Sauternes status. The average age of the vines is 30 years. Château Delmond, however, is made from slightly younger vines, resulting in a fresher, lighter style, yet with the complexity and luscious feel of good Sauternes. The soils are mainly gravel and calcareous gravel.

VINTAGE

The 2015 vintage saw perfect conditions for the development of noble rot. A generous flowering and warm, dry early spring was followed by a slightly cooler, damper August. The cool nights and rainfall experienced in late Autumn precipitated a very early start to the development of botrytis and brought balance to the grapes

VINIFICATION

The grapes were harvested in separate 'passes' through the vineyard and pressed in the pneumatic and vertical hydraulic press. The alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature of 20-22°C. The wine was aged in tank for 18 months prior to bottling and because the fruit was so clean, it was bottled with a relatively low level of free SO2 (40 mg/litre).

TASTING NOTES

This Sauternes is pale gold in colour with fresh floral and stone fruit aromas on the nose. Apricot, honey and peach mix with citrus peel and creamy flavours on the palate. It is medium to full bodied with refreshing acidity to balance the lingering sweet finish.