JJB: $69.94 *
Aged Sauternes is one of those magical unicorns that can be difficult to experience unless you are willing to roll the dice at auction, or have several decades of foresight, and so this recent arrival to our warehouse is very much worth your attention.
Much has been written about the “joy to be found from old vintages of this Barsac estate” (Wine Advocate), and Doisy Daene’s 1988 is going to be a wonderful option to have on hand once the holidays roll around. Doisy Daene is “one of the region’s outstanding estates” (Vinous), owned and managed by the Dubourdieu family since the 1920s. The late Pierre Dubourdieu was at the helm for 50 years, before handing things over to his son Denis in 2000, and he helped develop a clear house style. Using less new oak than typical for a cru classe Sauterens (about ⅓), Doisy Daene works hard to maintain freshness to balance out the more decadent nature of the botrytis influence, choices that pay huge dividends off as the wine matures.
Vintage reports for 1988 may have gotten a bit dusty, but the consensus is that this exceptional growing season was the longest lived and most understated of that legendary trio of ‘88/’89/’90. A warm but long growing season and higher than typical botrytis has made the 1988 Sauternes tailor made for the long haul, and they are in a perfect spot as they approach their 40th birthday.
“I have always admired Doisy-Daëne’s crystalline purity that effortlessly scythes through that gorgeous honeyed fruit” - Vinous
*Offer publication date September 14, 2026. Pricing and availability subject to change.
