Chateau Caillou Cuvee Reine Sauternes

Based on the clay limestone soils of Barsac, this Deuxieme Cru Classé remains one of the few family run estates still operating at a high level of quality. The property has been in hands of the Ballan family since 1909. They have 12.5 hectares of vineyards, from which the average yield is a miserly 12 hectolitres per hectare, making this a real labour of love. Alongside Chateau Caillou, they also produce a second brand, Chateau Haut-Mayne.

100% Semillon. A very rare wine made only in the finest vintages, such as 2001 which is one of the greatest in the history of Sauternes. Only 2 barrels produced, from some of the latest picked bunches in the best sectors of vineyard; a combination of raisined and fully botrytised berries. This is aged in mainly new French oak barriques for nearly 3 years. A remarkable, rich wine with a compelling nose of marmalade, dried mango, prune, saffron and honeycomb. Broad and mouthcoating with an endless finish and persistent acidity which will ensure at last another 15 years of life.