2016 d'Arche

Pale lemon-gold, the 2016 D'Arche gives up gregarious notes of candied orange peel, honeyed almonds, toast and baking spices over a core of warm grapefruit, guava and baked peaches. It fills the mouth with layers of spices and tropical fruits plus a satiny texture and great freshness, finishing satisfyingly nutty.

Showing a beautiful limestone minerality and and focus, the 2016 Château d'Arce offers a terrific perfume of savory red and black fruits, dried herbs, flowers, and loamy soil. With medium to full body, notable tannins, and terrific purity, it has rock solid depth and richness on the palate and is going to benefit from short term cellaring but keep for a decade. The blend is 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and this cuvée comes from the upper limestone plateau in the Castillon region.

This powerful Sauternes has a lot of caramel and honey character, but also nice, citrusy acidity that stops it short of being heavy and gives it some energy at the bold finish. Drink or hold.