Chateau de Rolland Sauternes 2015《WC Selection-F1010》

Region : Sauternes，Brodeaux

Grapes : 80% Semillon、15% Sauvignon Blanc、5% Muscadelle

Alcohol : 13% vol

Website : http://www.chateauderolland.com/

🏅 James Suckling 90 pts

Château De ROLLAND is certainly one of the oldest terroirs of Barsac, Sauternes dating from the 15th century, a wine region which was officially entitled to its own appellation contrôlée. It was acquired in 1492 by the “de ROLLAND” family who operated it until 1796. From 1797 to 1971, 6 different families will follow one another. Since 1971, the GUIGNARD family has been working the 20 ha of vines adjoining the buildings. François, Lucie and Monique Guignard who now manage the chateau.

Chateau de Rolland, situated just outside the village of Sauternes, thrives of an exceptional terroir just next to the Cirons River which joins the Garonne River nearby, situated in the commune of Barsac on a low altitude plateau inclined towards the north, the vineyard benefits from its proximity to the Garonne River. The vineyard benefits from an exceptional location and ideal soils, it is a perfect microclimate for Botrytis. 

The vineyard's soil composition includes sand, clay, limestone, and gravel, which impart amazing aromas of tropical fruit to the grapes. Notably, the wine is made exclusively from grapes affected by the noble rot, Botrytis Cinerea. The generosity of Botrytis Cinerea lies in its ability to affect the grape skins while leaving the flesh untouched, thereby increasing the concentration of sugar in the berries.

Additionally, the estate has been recognized for its architectural and landscape beauty, receiving the Best of Wine Tourism 2016 award in the Architecture and Landscapes category from the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). The estate's centerpiece is a 15th-century dovecote, which played a fundamental role in protecting the vines from diseases by allowing pigeons to scratch the ground and feed on insects present in the vineyard. Moreover, the empty pigeon nests, known as columbines, were collected and used as fertilizer in the vineyard, adding to its historical significance.

Tasting Note：

Lush, caramelized-orange and grapefruit character fills out the generous palate very nicely. Nice, bitter-orange freshness. Good length and a fairly dry finish, thanks to some positive tannins.

🏅 James Suckling 90 pts

Maybe this isn’t the most complex 2015 Barsac, but it’s rather succulent, very clean and well balanced thanks to the lemony acidity. An ideal introduction to the appellation.

$230/bottle 

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