Château Doisy-Daëne 2016

Pale lemon in color, the 2016 Doisy Daëne leaps from the glass with flamboyant tropical fruit notions of warm pineapple, guava and passion fruit plus hints of lime cordial, fungi, musk perfume and chalk dust. The palate has loads of earthy/savory layers with great concentration and depth, finishing long and lively.

There’s a wealth of rich, ripe apricots and sweetly fragrant peaches here, as well as a gently tropical edge. The palate is fleshy and richly sweet and offers smooth orange-marmalade flavors. Striking elegance and length here. A blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc. Drink or hold.

One of the top sweet wines I was able to taste for this report was the 2016 Château Doisy Daëne. It’s a powerhouse of a Barsac, boasting a light gold color as well as a huge, exotic perfume of buttered oranges, tropical fruits, lemon curd, and tropical fruits. Deep, full-bodied, thick and opulent on the palate, it stays relatively light on its feet and balanced. It’s a thrill a minute and doesn’t pull any punches, and I promise it will put a smile on your face. Drink it any time over the coming 20-25 years.

Barrel Sample. This wine has great freshness, shot through with acidity and a core of dry botrytis. The wine is rich while also structured. It will certainly be a wine to age.