Please note that I've tasted the more recent 1997 Sauternes at 11 years old.
Nose: starts malty with a background of sulphury organics and hints of rubber. After some breathing, it has some glorious moments in which the sweet wine sparkles and a lot of cinnamon emerges, together with some flowers. The more time you give it, the sweeter it gets, but it’s never really fresh. Water seems to help though, it enhances the flowery side and shows apricot notes.
Mouth: fierce attack (duh). Now the fruitiness is nicer, with orange candy, peaches and hints of mint. Not as sweet as I had expected. Water is an improvement again – it brings a nice balance between honey and spices.
Finish: dry, peppery and quite woody but still nicely candied as well.
A difficult one. It definitely needs water, but even then the organics are a bit disturbing.
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