2017 Ch Sigalas-Rabaud 1er Cru Half Bottle 375ml, Sauternes

The 2017 Sigalas Rabaud gives up tropical notions of pineapple paste, passion fruit and green mango with hints of honeycomb, florals and exotic spices. The palate is rich, concentrated and super spicy on the finish with a compelling lift of freshness.

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com

Château Sigalas Rabaud is one of the great historic estates of Sauternes, a Premier Cru Classé from the 1855 classification with a lineage that stretches back centuries. The vineyard lies on the gravelly, sandy soils of Bommes, right next door to Château d’Yquem, an address that speaks volumes about the quality of terroir. These soils sit over clay and limestone, perfectly placed to benefit from the morning mists of the Ciron River, which encourage the slow, precise development of noble rot on Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Sigalas Rabaud is unusual in Sauternes for its relatively small size, allowing an almost obsessive focus on vineyard detail and selection, with very low yields and multiple passes through the vines to harvest grapes at peak botrytis.

The modern identity of Sigalas Rabaud has been shaped by a philosophy of precision, elegance and freshness rather than sheer sweetness or weight. The estate has long been associated with meticulous vineyard management and gentle cellar work, aiming to preserve acidity and aromatic purity even in very rich vintages. Sémillon dominates the blend, providing texture, depth and ageworthiness, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes lift, citrus and tension. Fermentation and aging are handled carefully to balance richness with clarity, resulting in a Sauternes that feels refined, poised and deeply expressive of place.

In the glass Château Sigalas Rabaud shows a luminous golden colour, opening with layered aromas of apricot confit, candied citrus peel, pineapple, honey, saffron and subtle floral notes. The palate is luxurious yet beautifully controlled, with waves of stone fruit, marmalade and crème brûlée carried by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and focused. There is a long, silky finish with a gentle mineral and spice note that speaks of its Bommes soils. It is superb with foie gras, blue cheese, roasted stone fruit desserts or simply enjoyed on its own, and it is built for long aging, evolving over decades toward toasted nuts, caramel, beeswax and spice while retaining remarkable energy.

Château Sigalas Rabaud is a Sauternes of quiet authority and classical balance, a wine that rewards patience and attention and stands proudly among Bordeaux’s great sweet wines.