Château Doisy Daëne, 2ème Cru Classé, Barsac, 2022
A standout of the UGC tasting, Doisy Daene pokes its head above the parapet with a raft of complex, high toned aromas; jasmine tea, honey, fresh herbs and pineapple, to name just a few. Not so much a dense, warm sweetie, there is real elegance, refreshment and refinement this 2022 Barsac. Produced from 92% Semillon and 8% Sauvignon Blanc, botrytis arrived late but it was good when it came. Fermentation was carried out in barrique and aging takes place in 30% new oak for 10 months and then it is racked in to tank where it is allowed to harmonise and tighten up before bottling. Long, sweet and well-balanced, a contender for our favourite sweet wine. 138g/l residual sugar and pH 3.89.
critic reviews
The grand vin from the Dubourdieu clan opens with a very Barsac nose of smoky and sandy minerals on the nose, with a light layer of citrus fruits, and a touch of matchsticky reduction over the top. A palate of modest sweetness follows, with a rather restrained concentration, with a core of peach, pear and mango fruits, with plenty of mineral energy, freshness and acidity giving it a sense of vigour. A charming style which will drink well, but more on its mineral and fresh style than its sweetness. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 13%.
The 2022 Doisy-Daëne has a powerful bouquet with touches of yellow fruit, pressed white flowers, saffron and jasmine emerging with time. This has fine delineation. The palate is supremely well balanced with caressing viscous botrytised fruit effortlessly matched by the acidity. Poised and very tender on the long finish, this is a wonderful Barsac.
With delicate notes of ripe apricot, mango, spices and ripe white peach, the 2022 Doisy Daene possesses a medium to full-bodied, enrobing and complex palate with a delicately fleshy core of fruit enhanced by bright acids and a long, mineral and fresh finish. This blend of 95% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Blanc is a well-executed classic Barsac with freshness and tension. It should age gracefully over the next 30 years.
Made from 100% Semillon and with 150 g/L residual sugar, the 2022 Doisy Daene is pale to medium straw in color. The nose is quite closed to start, offering glimpses at notes of baked peaches, lemon meringue pie, and cedar chest, followed by wafts of sea spray, chamomile tea, and powdered ginger. The palate is full-on decadent, featuring rich, sweet layers of flavor and plenty of savory accents, finishing long with just enough freshness.