Château Doisy-Daëne is a Barsac estate that produces top-class, sweet Bordeaux white wines that are characterised by their finesse and richness.
The property takes the second part of its name from an English gentleman who bought it when the original Doisy estate was split up in the 19th century. The 18.2 hectares of vineyards underwent extensive replanting in the 1950s and ‘60s, now planted to 86 per cent Sémillon and 14% Sauvignon Blanc, at a density of over 7,000 plants per hectare.
In the year 2000 Denis Dubourdieu took over the estate. A legendary figure in Bordeaux wine circles, Denis was best known for pioneering the region’s dry white wines, improving their quality and reputation. Sadly, after being awarded the La Légion d’Honneur by the French government, he passed away in 2016. His two sons, Jean-Jacques and Fabrice have taken over the running of the family’s estates.
The estate produces three wines: a dry white, a classic sweet wine and a special cuvée, L’Extravagant, which is only made in outstanding vintages. It is the estate’s sweet wines which receives most global acclaim; quintessential Barsac with the emphasis on finesse, poise and elegance, rather than power and force.
Classified as a Sauternes 2ème Cru Classé, Ch. Doisy Daëne’s wines can age gracefully for up to 20 years.
95-97 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne 2014 has a very intense bouquet of wild honey, acacia and orange blossom that soars from the glass. The palate is unctuous, decadent and powerful – completely living up to its name – with layers of honeyed fruit on the long finish. It is like a super-charged Beerenauslese, somehow retaining immense tension and precision on the finish. For hedonists only. Queue up.
97 Points Wine Spectator
Richly rendered, with pineapple, tangerine and nectarine gélee notes carried by a racy streak of orange zest. The long, honeyed finish glistens beautifully, showing just enough tension under all the fruit to keep this balanced. Large-scaled but with terrific focus to match.