Château Filhot 1981
Founded in 1709 by Romain de Filhot, Château Filhot is one of the largest estates in Sauternes, with nearly 350 hectares, 62 of which are planted with vines. Classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 classification, it still belongs to the same family, perpetuating a prestigious heritage and a centuries-old winemaking tradition. The terroir of gravel, clay, and sand, combined with the morning mists of the Ciron, favors the appearance of noble rot, essential for the production of the great sweet Sauternes wines.
The 1981 vintage, relatively fresh and later, produced elegant and refined wines, less opulent than the sunny vintages, but marked by great aromatic finesse and a beautiful balance between sweetness and freshness. At Filhot, this vintage is expressed by a controlled sweetness, a beautiful liveliness and a complex aromatic evolution which testifies to the superb aging of the sweet wines of the property.
The amber color with copper highlights reflects the patina of time. The nose opens with subtle aromas of candied fruit (apricot, bitter orange), honey, saffron, and beeswax, enriched with tertiary notes of dried fruit, caramel, and blond tobacco. On the palate, the texture is creamy but balanced by a delicate freshness. The finish, long and persistent, reveals spicy and honeyed nuances that highlight the complexity acquired with age. A collector's Sauternes, both elegant and harmonious, which perfectly illustrates Filhot's style in a vintage of great finesse.
Grape varieties: Sémillon (majority), Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle
