2013 Ch Sigalas-Rabaud 1er Cru Half Bottle 375ml, Sauternes

Pale lemon colored, the 2013 Sigalas Rabaud has a drop dead gorgeous nose of candied ginger, nutmeg and orange blossoms with and apple and pears core plus a waft of acacia honey. The palate is rich, perfumed and sparked with bags of spices, featuring great freshness and finishing long. 

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com Drink 2018-2035

Château Sigalas Rabaud Sauternes 2013 is a beautifully poised expression of this historic First Growth estate, showing that even in a more challenging year, Sauternes can deliver finesse, purity and quiet confidence. This is not a wine built on excess, but on balance, detail and the gentle magic of noble rot handled with care.

Sigalas Rabaud sits in the heart of Bommes, sharing lineage and pedigree with the great Château Rabaud Promis. Classified as a Premier Cru in 1855, the estate has long been admired for wines that lean towards elegance rather than sheer opulence. The vineyards are planted primarily to Semillon, with smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, grown on gravel and sandy soils that encourage slow, even development of botrytis.

The 2013 vintage demanded patience and precision, with selective harvesting and multiple passes through the vineyard to pick only fruit touched by noble rot at the right moment. The result is a Sauternes that feels lighter on its feet, yet deeply expressive. In the glass, it glows pale gold, opening with aromas of apricot, white peach and candied lemon, followed by honey, saffron and delicate floral notes.

On the palate, the sweetness is finely tuned, carried by bright acidity that gives the wine lift and clarity. Flavours of citrus marmalade, stone fruit and almond unfold gently, finishing clean and refreshing rather than heavy or cloying. There is a sense of restraint here that makes the wine incredibly drinkable, even at a young age.

This is a Sauternes that works beautifully at the table. It shines with blue cheese, foie gras, roast poultry with fruit, or desserts built around citrus and stone fruit rather than chocolate. It also has the structure to age gracefully, developing more nutty, caramelised complexity over time.

Château Sigalas Rabaud Sauternes 2013 is a reminder that great Sauternes is not just about richness, but about harmony, precision and elegance.