Extravagantly rich this is dense and supersweet initially just balanced with acidity. The botrytis dryness is really not here at this stage but with its elegant creamy texture wood flavors still very present. This is still at the very beginning of its development.

Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 Château La Tour Blanche has a complex nose with lemon sherbet, orange sorbet, honey and jasmine all soaring from the glass without a care in the world. The palate is medium-bodied with refined tannin, very focused and poised with an elegant, suave finish that has just the right amount of edginess. There is a Barsac-like personality to this La Tour Blanche with a hint of barley sugar on the aftertaste. Overall, this is an impressive Sauternes. - Neal Martin

Subtle aromas of honey lemon peel cream vanilla and apple pie follow through to a thick palate with lots of sweetness. There's also loads of clove and other spices. Not as exciting as from barrel but still outstanding. Best after 2011. 2915 cases made. -JS