Domaine Rousset-Peyraguey Sauternes - De Labore Solis 2012

Domaine Rousset-Peyraguey “De Labore Solis” 2012 is a naturally-made, botrytised sweet wine from biodynamically-farmed vineyards in Bommes (Haut-Barsac), Bordeaux, crafted by Alain Dejean on an organic limestone-rich site where Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle are hand-harvested in successive tries to capture perfectly ripe, botrytis-affected fruit.

The 2012 vintage is fermented spontaneously with minimal sulphur and extended lees contact, then aged for four to six years in old oak and acacia barrels, resulting in a luscious yet finely balanced dessert wine. On the nose and palate it marries bright, honeyed citrus zest and saffron notes with richer layers of orange-blossom honey and dried stone fruits, all underpinned by energetic acidity and crystalline tension that keeps the sweetness fresh rather than heavy.

Because De Labore Solis is bottled as a Vin de France (rather than AOC Sauternes) due to the producer’s refusal to use certain additives or technological manipulations, it expresses both classic botrytised richness and a distinct, terroir-driven purity.