Clos du Chateau de Cadillac Semillon AOC Cadillac, 2014

Once upon a time, when sweet dessert wines were all the rage, Cadillac and Loupiac were as highly regarded for their quality as Sauternes. The regions enjoy similar climatic conditions that encourage the development of noble rot on the grapes in the final days before harvest. The potential for producing great sweet wines is clear, but as trends changed and consumers demanded more dry wines, many of the vineyards switched production. The Clos du Château de Cadillac is a 2.5-hectare vineyard enclosed by an old 13th century stone wall - ramparts of Château de Cadillac which originally enclosed an orchard. Half a hectare of 40-year-old Sémillon is planted on gravelly soil over a chalk mother rock. 2014 was a great year for the development of noble rot with over 70% of the bunches affected, producing a golden wine with aromas of honey and spice. Soft and rich, it has flavours of fresh and dried apricots. The residual sweetness is balanced by bitter marmalade flavours and earthy notes with citrus and passion fruit finish.