2013 Ch Bastor Lamontagne Sauternes Half Bottle 375ml, Bordeaux

Barrel Sample. This wine is very ripe and rich, with great concentration that comes through the dry, complex texture. There is power that is balanced by tight, bright acidity and citrus fruits.

92–94 points wineenthusiast.com

The 2013 Bastor-Lamontagne has a fresh, vibrant bouquet with scents of pineapple, citrus peel and apple, perhaps a little light and more malic than expected, yet fresh and focused. The palate is expressive and harmonious. There is impressive tension here, the acidity cutting straight though the lightly honeyed fruit, and it finishes in some style, with a long spicy aftertaste. This Sauternes has good potential. 

90-92 points Neal Martin robertparker.com Apr 2014 Drink 2020-2035

The 2013 Château Bastor Lamontagne Sauternes is a beautiful example of why patience and precision matter so much in this tiny corner of Bordeaux. Sauternes is never easy, and 2013 demanded real discipline, making the wines that succeeded all the more compelling. Bastor Lamontagne rose to the challenge, delivering a wine that leans into finesse and balance rather than sheer richness.

Château Bastor Lamontagne sits in Preignac, at the western edge of the Sauternes appellation, where morning mists from the Ciron and Garonne rivers encourage the slow, noble development of botrytis. The estate has deep historical roots, with vineyard holdings that date back centuries, and a long standing focus on careful vineyard work and selective harvesting. Grapes are picked in multiple passes, sometimes berry by berry, to capture botrytis at its most expressive.

The blend is classic Sauternes, dominated by Semillon, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and a small touch of Muscadelle. In a cooler, more challenging year like 2013, this mix proved ideal, retaining freshness while still delivering the honeyed complexity Sauternes lovers crave.

In the glass, the wine is luminous gold. Aromas of apricot, peach and candied citrus rise first, followed by honey, saffron, almond and subtle spice. The palate is rich yet poised, with sweetness carried by bright acidity rather than weight. Flavours of marmalade, dried stone fruit and caramelised citrus linger through a long, clean finish that never feels heavy.

This is a Sauternes that rewards both contemplation and the table. It pairs beautifully with blue cheese, foie gras, roast poultry with fruit, or classic desserts built around citrus or stone fruit. Thanks to its balance and acidity, it will continue to age gracefully, gaining further layers of nutty, toffee like complexity over time.

The 2013 Château Bastor Lamontagne is a reminder that great Sauternes is not just about opulence, but about harmony, detail and the quiet magic of noble rot done well.