Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud 2009

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The Sigalas Rabaud was sensational out of barrel and served blind, the wine does nothing to dispel my initial optimism that this is the apogee for the estate – so far. It is bestowed with an intense bouquet of quince, orange zest and almond with a lighter touch of honey compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with great viscosity. This is an assertive Sauternes that wants to make an impression, although it does not display the complexity or breeding of Yquem and Suduiraut. Still, it is very composed and perhaps is saving something up for later, biding its time as it were. This is a wondrous wine. Drink now-2040."

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Gelb, lindengrüne Nuancen darin, leuchtend. Delikates Bouquet, nach gekochtem weissem Pfirsich und eingelegten Birnen duftend. Samtiger Gaumen, gut eingepackte Süsse, weiche Säure im dezent nobel-bitteren Finale Karambolle und Mirabellen."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "What a beauty! Honey coated tropical fruits, orange, apricot and vanilla custard are there to inform you this is one sweet, white Bordeaux treat. There is the right amount of freshness waking your palate, giving the wine lift and leaving you with sweet, spicy, honeyed fruits in the finish. This will should age quite nicely."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This wine is still very closed. That said, its promise is in the rich, weighty texture. It shows a ripe feel, with orange and lemon freshness. On the finish, the acidity is dominant."

JAMES SUCKLING: " Dense with powerful aromas and flavors of dried mushroom, spices and pineapple. Medium sweet. Full body yet racy and fresh due to intense acidity. Medium finish. Drink or hold."

WINE SPECTATOR: " Lush but defined, with a lovely floral and green tea frame to the dried pineapple, quince, pear and yellow apple fruit flavors, which are seamless through the long, lightly toasted coconut-tinged finish. Very suave. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Best from 2014 through 2025. 1,500 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Mid gold. Fresh, less intensely sweet than some and still quite chewy. Very youthful. Confident. Just a bit lean. (Personnel change here recently.)"