Is a Sauternes by Chateau Haut-Mayne as exquisite as one by Chateau d’Yquem? No it is not. But if you want to spend $20 instead of $300, well, it’s hard to imagine a more pleasing beast than this one. 2014 was an amazing Sauternes vintage across the board -- more vibrant and acid-snapped than is sometimes the case. This is a rich Sauternes for the tariff: dried mango, ripe apricots, and saffron honey all intermingle. The palate is fresh, alive, and not over-unctuous. Haut-Mayne? Haut-Maybe Tonight!
