2014 de Malle

The 2014 de Malle has a light, slightly monochromatic bouquet with dried honey and wax resin aromas, but I would have liked more personality here. The palate is viscous on the entry although I would have liked a little more elevated acidity to counterbalance the richness. It is a straight-forward Sauternes that will provide pleasurable early drinking. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

RS 124 g/l. Tasted blind. Light but fresh and appetising with some pear juice and focus. (JR)

The Château de Malle 2014 is a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, with 125 grams per liter residual sugar. Matured in 25% new oak, it has a refined and elegant bouquet with plenty of botrytized fruit intermixed with minerals. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry, viscous but not unctuous, underpinned by a citric line of acidity and a nicely poised finish. There is nothing exceptional here: just top quality Sauternes that is both refined and graceful. This is one of the few Sauternes that might well surpass the 2009.