What mead should taste like... Ray really likes this. — 8 years ago
Château Cantegril – Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle / 2019
AOC Barsac – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A Grand Vin de Sauternes crafted by the Dubourdieu family in Barsac, this 2019 vintage blends the region’s classics: Sémillon dominant, Sauvignon Blanc, and a touch of Muscadelle. Botrytis cinerea (noble rot) weaves its magic here, concentrating sugars and intensifying aromas.
Aromas & Flavors
Lush notes of apricot, candied orange peel, and pineapple rise from the glass, layered with honey, acacia blossom, and a hint of saffron. The sweetness is deeply expressive but never cloying.
Mouthfeel
Silky and opulent, yet balanced by Barsac’s hallmark freshness and mineral tension. A luscious golden core with excellent length, pure heaven in a glass.
Food Pairings
Perfect with Roquefort, foie gras, or blue cheeses, but equally divine alongside fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or spicy Asian cuisine. For a daring contrast, try with fried chicken.
Verdict
2019 Château Cantegril is heaven on earth, an elegant and classic Barsac that shows the Dubourdieu family’s mastery. A wine that proves Sauternes and Barsac remain unmatched when it comes to liquid gold.
Did You Know?
Barsac AOC wines can legally be labeled either “Barsac” or “Sauternes.” Château Cantegril is often described as one of the “entry gates” to the Dubourdieu family’s sweet wine heritage, offering top quality at a more approachable level than their Château Doisy-Daëne.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: This is one of those wines that makes you stop mid-sip and smile, it’s just that magical. — 11 hours ago
Second growth Sauternes showing well after meal with friends. For some reason seemed to be more complex than my first bottle several months ago. Chunky marmalade & lanolin notes, oh so integrated after 16 years in bottle. Still fresh & with some snap. — 4 years ago
Awesome Sauternes. Definitely on the lighter and slightly less sweet side, I think this is Barsac even though it's labeled Sauternes on the front. (the cork and back label say Barsac). Orange marmalade, ginger, honey, poached peaches and pears, and a bit of baking spice. Very rich but not too cloying as far as Sauternes goes. Medium to medium + body, medium + acid, plenty sweet as you'd expect. Wonderful soft texture. Amazing alongside the post-dinner cheese plate. — 8 years ago

Drank 4/26/18 at a tasting event.
2nd wine of Climens. Nose of pineapple and honeyed apricots, with some slight volatility that blows off after a few minutes. Flavors of pineapple and some light honey, without the depth or richness of the Climens. Decent wine, but would vastly prefer the Doisy Vedrines for around the same price.
4/22/7/3/3 +50 = 89 pts. — 7 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Château Doisy-Daëne – Grand Vin Sec 2021
Bordeaux Blanc Sec AOC – Barsac, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
From the famed Barsac estate more often associated with sweet Sauternes, Denis Dubourdieu’s Château Doisy-Daëne crafts a brilliant dry white made entirely from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It is a benchmark example of Bordeaux Blanc Sec: precise, mineral-driven, and age-worthy.
Aromas & Flavors
Expressive notes of grapefruit, lime zest, white peach, and gooseberry, layered with subtle floral hints and a chalky mineral backbone.
Mouthfeel
Taut, vibrant acidity balanced with crystalline purity. Medium-bodied, with a long, stony finish that lingers with citrus and saline freshness.
Food Pairings
Grilled seabass, oysters, sole fish with beurre blanc, Lobster salad with citrus dressing or sushi, asparagus, chèvre salad, or zucchini blossom fritters.
Verdict
A razor-sharp, elegant Sauvignon Blanc that showcases Barsac terroir in a whole new light. Structured enough to age beautifully but already shining with energy in youth. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Denis Dubourdieu, often called “the Pope of Bordeaux Blancs”, pioneered modern techniques for Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux, emphasizing freshness, terroir expression, and precision, hallmarks evident in this wine. — 9 hours ago