CHATEAU RAYMOND LAFON
2011 SAUTERNES – BORDEAUX
GRAPES: 80% SEMILLON, 20% SEMILLON
This small Bordeaux wine property of Raymond Lafon is located next door to the vineyards of Chateau d’Yquem and very close to Chateau Suduiraut. Due to the fact that the owner was the manager of Chateau d’Yquem, it should not come as a surprise that Raymond Lafon is produced in the exact fashion that is used at Chateau d’Yquem. The same blends are used at both properties as well. The yields are similar as well at close to 8 hectoliters per hectare. With the responsibility of running his own winery, it was not long until Pierre Meslier departed from Chateau d’Yquem to concentrate all his efforts on producing and marketing the wines of Raymond Lafon. Today, the estate is managed by the three children of Meslier.
This property got its name from its first owner. The present one, Pierre Meslier (who worked at d’Yquem as manager), bought Raymond Lafon in 1972.
There are 18 ha of vines situated in Sauternes commune, surrounded by so famous names like Lafaurie Peyraguey, d’Yquem and Suduiraut. Soil here is gravely on the surface and contains a mix of clay and limestones. The cépage is classic for Sauternes & Barsac – 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, vines are on average 35 years old, yield per ha is only 8,5 hl (!) and the wine matures in new barrels for 3 years.
A perfect example, that Raymond Lafon aims more towards quality than quantity, is the fact that only grapes with sugar content corresponding to potential of 19-21% alcohol are harvested. Another sign of ruthless selection is, that 20-100% (!) of the harvest is declassified every year, according to the quality of the vintage.
Raymond Lafon is close to d’Yquem concerning the style, and one of the most stable and demanded wines in the district. For me, Raymond Lafon is among the five best sweet wines in Bordeaux and represents an excellent value for the money.
