Château La Tour Blanche 1982 - A jewel from Sauternes

Domain and classification

Château La Tour Blanche, located in Bommes, Sauternes, is one of the Premiers Crus Classés of the Classification of 1855. The estate has been a viticultural school since 1911 , which emphasises its importance.

1982 vintage - An exceptional vintage

1982 was a legendary vintagein Bordeaux, characterised by a warm, sunny summer and ideal conditions for noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The grapes were harvested in several arduous rounds (Tries) from October to November.

Vinification and composition

• Grape varieties: typical for Sauternes: Sémillon (75-80%), Sauvignon Blanc (15-20%), Muscadelle (trace)

• Ageing: in oak barrels

• Characteristics: high sugar and extract concentration with preserved acidity

Sensory profile (current)

Colour: Deep, liquid gold with amber reflections.

Nose: Extremely complex with aromas of dried apricots, honey-soaked almonds, acacia honey, orange marmalade and a subtle sweet-spicy note of saffron and ginger. The noble rot gives it a nuance of Chinese grass.

Palate: Opulent and lush on the entry, yet perfectly supported by a lively, lemony acidity. The texture is silky and fat, but never heavy. Flavours of candied citrus, carambola, beeswax and an earthy, truffle-like nuance of ageing.

Finish: Breathtakingly long and fresh, with an aftertaste of mint and slate.

Ratings and ageing

• Robert Parker: 96/100 points ("One of the great Tour Blanche sites")

• Current drinking window: At its peak, but will certainly last until 2030+

• Storage temperature: 10-12°C

Serving recommendation

• Temperature: 10-12°C

• Decanting: Not necessary, but 30 minutes of aeration in the glass is beneficial

• Food pairing: Foie gras, Roquefort cheese, desserts with apricots or oranges, foie gras

Château La Tour Blanche 1982embodies the perfect symbiosis of opulent sweetness, complex flavours and invigorating acidity - a timeless masterpiece of Sauternes.