Domaine de la Chapelle - Sauternes

Domaine de la Chapelle – Sauternes 2015

Grape Variety

• 80% Sémillon
• 15% Sauvignon Blanc
• 5% Muscadelle

Description

This beautifully mature Sauternes from the outstanding 2015 vintage is a classic example of Bordeaux's most famous sweet wine appellation. Produced from grapes affected by Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot), the wine achieves exceptional concentration while retaining freshness and balance. The combination of Sémillon's richness, Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity and Muscadelle's floral aromatics creates a wine of remarkable complexity and elegance. The warm and favourable conditions of the 2015 vintage produced wines with excellent ripeness, purity of fruit and ageing potential.

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Deep golden yellow with amber highlights, showing the first signs of graceful bottle age.

Nose
Intense aromas of honey, apricot, candied orange peel, marmalade and tropical fruits, layered with notes of beeswax, acacia blossom and subtle spice.

Palate
Rich and luscious yet beautifully balanced. Flavours of dried apricot, peach, pineapple, orange marmalade and honey unfold across the palate, supported by vibrant acidity that prevents the wine from feeling heavy. The texture is silky and concentrated, displaying the hallmark elegance of fine Sauternes.

Finish
Exceptionally long and complex, with lingering notes of honeyed fruit, caramel, citrus zest and delicate spice.

Food Pairing

• Foie Gras
• Roquefort and other blue cheeses
• Comté aged 24 months
• Tarte Tatin
• Crème Brûlée
• Apricot tart
• Peach desserts
• Duck liver parfait
• Spiced Asian cuisine
• Enjoyed on its own as a meditation wine

The classic pairing remains Roquefort, where the wine's sweetness perfectly balances the cheese's salty intensity.

Technical Information

• Classification: AOP Sauternes
• Region: Bordeaux
• Country: France
• Grape Variety: 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle
• ABV: 13.5%
• Style: Sweet White Wine
• Harvest: Hand-picked in successive selections
• Production Method: Noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea)
• Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
• Cellaring Potential: Drinking beautifully now, with potential to age until at least 2035–2040.

Olivier's Thoughts

This is exactly the type of Sauternes that reminds people why these wines are considered among France's greatest treasures. The 2015 vintage gives it wonderful richness and concentration, but what impresses me most is the freshness that runs through the wine. Too often sweet wines are unfairly overlooked, yet when served properly they can create some of the most memorable food and wine pairings imaginable. Whether enjoyed with Roquefort, foie gras or simply as a special treat at the end of a meal, this bottle offers extraordinary complexity and elegance. For anyone wanting to discover the magic of Sauternes, this is a fantastic place to start.