Chateau Lamothe-Guignard

This chateau has a similar history as La Tour Figeac which I have just written, in the sense that it was originally part of a larger property. The original Chateau Lamothe dated back to the 18th century, which later had split into Lamothe (sometimes referred to as Lamothe-Despujols) and Lamothe-Guignard. Both are deuxieme cru in 1855 Bordeaux GCC classification in its own rights.

The break-up occurred under the tenure of Baptiste family, in the 19th century, with the vineyards destined to become Lamothe-Guignard being sold to Charles Joseph Bergey. As a result, the chateau was then named Lamothe-Bergey, which was subsequently sold to Armand Bastit Saint-Martin in 1958, which already acquired the original Lamothe estate so can in theory reunite the two to form the old estate again. However, Lamothe-Bergey was leased out and the two halves were operated as separate units still.

The Bastit Saint-Martin family then also sold off their assets, with the original Lamothe to Despujols in 1961, who continue to run the estate today, and the Bergey portion to Guignard family in 1981, so the name becomes the current Lamothe-Guignard. The Guignard brothers, Pierre and Jean, already owned properties around Sauternes, and Jean's sons Philippe and Jacques, replanted the vineyards, and producing the wine in the chateau (previously it was done in d'Arche), thus significantly improving the quality.

The total area of the vineyard is 17 hectares, with a section on limestone and clay, as well as a gravelly plateau. 90% of the vines are Semillon, with 5% each of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Average age is now 40 years. Harvest normally occurs in several tries, where the grapes are pressed hydraulically before fermentatin in stainless steel or en barrique depending on the vintage. The wine will spend up to 15 months in oak, with 25% new barrels in each vintage.

I have tasted the 2005 vintage, which is of good quality. But when you take into consideration the very attractive price you will no doubt try to stock up more for the wine to further develop and I am sure in another 7-10 years, with more maturity characters this wine will become even better. Less than HK$250 for a full bottle Sauternes? What are you waiting for?

Region / Country: Sauternes France

Vintage: 2005

Grape: 70% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon, 5% Muscadelle

ABV: 14%            

Price: HK$238

Tasting Date: 29 June 2011

Wineshark Score: 90

Light golden color Sauternes with a reasonably intense and developing aromas of acacia, lemon peel, apricot, honey, oak and nutty. Sweet yet balanced well with the acidity making the wine fresh and not cloying at all. Full body with a reasonably intense palate of honeysuckle, honey, lemon, pineapple, apricot, oak and nutty. Overall of good quality, with a fairly complex palate, reasonable length and intensity. Particularly considering its price it is superbly good value. Ready to drink now but can further age to develop for another 7-10 years.