Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes Premier Cru 2009 (Half Bottle 375mL)
Wanna know what our jam is? 95-POINT ROCKSTAR-PRODUCER Chateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes with a FULL DECADE OF AGE, direct from the Chateau, at a melon-twisting, brain-rattling price -- 50% OFF RETAIL! Now THAT is a JAM!
Woo hoo! This really is crazy to have in our hot little hands. On a Monday after daylight savings no less! A LUXURIOUS, opulent, sublime bottle of classic dessert wine (conveniently in 375mL, which makes it handy to sneak into the movies or what have you) that will shake the foundations of your sweet wine soul. Rich, unctuously textured peaches, fresh sweet and dried apricots, marmalade, honeysuckle, orange flowers and so much more...this gives you something sexy at every sip --- spices, honey, vanilla bean, exotic fruits...just...WOW!!
** we forgot to mention --- HURRY! We don’t have much!!! **
La Tour Blanche has the interesting distinction of also being a school of Viticulture and Enology since 1909, and the property itself dates back to around mid 1700s. We scored an amazing parcel, direct from the Chateau, and at 10 years old it is SINGING --- roaringly delicious Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, perfectly at peak, totally ready to bust out anytime for foie gras, cheese, ice cream, you name it! THE PRICE!! Unheard of!! Like we said, totally our jam!! While it lasts, that is...should go in flash!
17th century - MONSIEUR DE SAINT-MARC, THE FOUNDING FATHER
The figures who have shaped the destiny of La Tour Blanche are inextricably linked to its history. Each, in their own way, has contributed to making the estate one of the finest in Sauternes, by taking risks, by being imaginative, by challenging conventional thinking, and by investing. These “prospectors of gold” - a description which is very fitting for Sauternes - have created their philosopher stones in the form of... golden nuggets. Foremost among these: Monsieur de Saint-Marc, Lord of La Tour Blanche – who would give the domaine its name.
FREDERICK FOCKE, THE QUALITY CAMPAIGNER
Another figure who played an important role in building the reputation of Château La Tour Blanche, was German, Frederick Focke.
Frederick Focke had brought with him a technique known as “late harvesting” already widely practiced in his country of origin, as well as by a few famous properties such as Yquem and Suduiraut.
1855 - THE FIRST OF THE FIRST GROWTHS
In 1855, during the Second Empire, the growths («Crus») from Sauternes, along with those from Medoc, were asked to put forward their products for a classification organized by The Wine Brokers’ Union of Bordeaux under the supervision of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce.
This request emanated from the Imperial Government who wanted to submit the most deserving wines of the Gironde to The Universal Exhibition in Paris.
Château La Tour Blanche was placed top of the Sauternes white wine
first growths («Premiers Crus») just behind Château d’Yquem, the unique
«Premier Grand Cru Supérieur» of the Appellation.
1876 - OSIRIS, THE WINE LOVER
After the death of the talented Frederick Focke, the family - wife, nephews and investors - presided over the destiny of the domaine recognized as being one of the most typical of the appellation. Then along came Osiris! Behind this pseudonym, which sounds like the name of some ancient Egyptian god, was a man named Daniel Iffla, a wine aesthete with an unconditional love of elegance and quality.
Château La Tour Blanche seems to have been just waiting for this new owner to come along to reveal its final, flattering touch of excellence. Osiris was a powerful financier with limitless financial resources. Although he usually resided in one of his villas in Arcachon, he could always be found at La Tour Blanche at harvest time.
Daniel Iffla was not only a lover of prestigious wines, he was also a philanthropist in numerous fields including building restoration, providing assistance to those in need, and research with Louis Pasteur.
This incredible man, who died heirless in 1907, bequeathed the property to the French State under the condition that a wine school be established on the site. His wishes were respected in 1911.
Technical Details
Country: FranceRegion: Bordeaux
Appellation: Sauternes
Varietal: White Bordeaux Blends
Winemaker: Pierre-Henri Chabot
Harvest Date: Harvest period: from 15th September to 15th November - 4 to 5 picks
Alcohol: 14%
TA: 3.7g/100mLs
About The Producer
Nowadays - THE WILL TO PASS ON
Since 2010, the estate has belonged to the Region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The state agricultural school offers several courses with levels ranking from a tenth grade («troisième») vocational course («Découverte des metiers du vivant») and Secondary School Graduation Diploma (Baccalaureat Professionel) through to a 2-Year Degree Course by Apprenticeship (B.T.S.A).
Since 2010, the School of Viticulture and Oenology and the Chateau La Tour Blanche have integrated the EPLEFPA Bordeaux-Gironde (Local Public Institution of agricultural Education and Vocational Training ), first institution of agricultural and viticultural studies at the national level , which combines two other schools and their châteaux: Blanquefort school and Château Dillon (Haut-Médoc AOC, Cru Bourgeois), as well as Libourne-Montagne school and Château Grand Baril (Montagne Saint-Emilion AOC) and Réal Caillou (Lalande de Pomerol AOC).
A PEDAGOGICAL FIRST GREAT GROWTH
It is important to highlight that even if Chateau La Tour Blanche represents an essential pedagogical support for the students, the estate is entirely managed independently from the school by professionals in the Wine and Vine-growing sector in order that the expected level of quality for a Grand Cru of Bordeaux is respected.
Pairing Suggestions
Blue Cheese
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