La Fleur D’Or Sauternes

Originally conceived in 1995 by Sauternes expert Bill Blatch with the négociant firm Vintex, La Fleur d’Or combines top notch parcels of wine from small lesser-known properties as well as some from classified châteaux. The vineyards of the numerous small estates are mostly in Barsac, where the misty morning microclimate encourages the growth of Botrytis cinerea. The average age of the vines is approximately 35 years, and the soils are predominately red ferruginous (iron-rich) clay with some gravel. The botrytized grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is traditionally vinified in small steel vats. The wine is then aged for one year in barrels, followed by an additional year in stainless steel vats. The final blend is always lively and fresh, with the hallmark notes of botrytis – a perfect wine for no fuss consumption.