2011 d'Arche

Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. The Château d’Arche 2011 does not quite match my expectations from barrel, though it remains a commendable contribution to the vintage. It has a waxy bouquet with dried peach and dried mango intermingling with spice and orange blossom scents. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity and a decent level of botrytis. However, the second half appears to wind down in terms of complexity and compared to its peers, it feels rather one-dimensional and missing a sense of personality. Not a bad Sauternes however, there is better out there.

Slightly odd aroma. Sour pear – and the same on the palate. Fresher but less intense than the Rabaud Promis. Sweet and sour. Rather simple with some grapefruit flavour on the finish. (JH)

RS 137 g/l, TA 3.8 g/l. So gentle after Ch Filhot. Lightly floral lemon. Then some grapefruit and honey on the palate, but a slight bitterness on the finish. (JH)