Ch. Raymond-Lafon
Ch. Raymond-Lafon
Sauternes
2007

The producer

Founded in 1850 by Raymond Lafon and then fast forward to 1972 when the estate was acquired by the Meslier family (Pierre Meslier was the managing director of Ch d’Yquem at the time). The connection with d’Yquem has meant that Raymond Lafon is produced using similar methods.

The 18 hectares of vineyards – which are located next to those of d’Yquem and also adjacent to those of Chateau Suduiraut – are planted to 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Yields are close to 8 hl/ha and the wine is matured for 36 months in 100% new oak barrels. The annual production of this small Sauternes estate is often less than 3,000 cases per year.

This is very good Sauternes at an agreeable price.

The wine

Sourced from vines with an average age of 40 years, Raymond Lafon takes great pride in only picking the ripest and most perfectly shrivelled fruit. The blend varies with vintage conditions but usually comprises around 80% Semillon complemented by Sauvignon Blanc. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and is followed by ageing in 100% new French oak barriques. A delicate and subtly aromatic wine, Raymond Lafon packs in layers of concentrated tropical fruit and spice on the palate, balanced by a fresh and juicy structure and finish. This is very good Sauternes at an agreeable price.

We choose our wines based on a range of criteria (see how we choose our wines) of which critic scores is just one. Rather than simply highlight the best score to promote a wine, our average critic score is calculated from the scores provided by several respected wine critics, who we follow for specific regions. They do not represent all critic scores and, wherever possible, we try and give more weight to more recent reviews. Where appropriate we consider market-based scores like Global Wine Score or Wine Searcher Average scores.

As a rule, we look to offer wines that achieve a 92/100 average critic score or better and frankly a lot of very good wines simply don’t make the cut. As a high-end provider we want to reflect that positioning in the quality of wines we offer. Such wines are only a tiny fraction of those generally on offer in the market. We believe that an average score is a more conservative and representative approach, but it is still subjective and only offered as a guide to our customers, who will (and should) do their own research. We will add individual critic scores to our website in the future.