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The Great Daëne | 1953 Château Doisy Daëne

by Stuart George

Six bottles of 1953 Château Doisy Daëne landed on the Arden list recently.

A Sauternes-loving client took three bottles and very generously offered to open one with me at our office in Brook Street.

No pressure… ????

Until the 1840s, Doisy was a single estate but was subsequently divided into three: Château Doisy Daëne, Château Doisy-Védrines, and Château Doisy-Dubroca.

“Daëne” is apparently a French corruption of “Deane”, the English owner of the then undivided Château Doisy.

Doisy Daëne is pure Sémillon – no Sauvignon or Muscadelle here – and is known for its “peaches and cream” character.

This 1953 comes from a lovely, stylish Sauternes vintage.

The nearly 70-year old cork came out without too much trouble, even if it came out in sections ????. All good.

The wine retained a beautiful ochre-yellow colour, as golden as a winter sunrise.

It was honeyed, fragrant, and remarkably fresh, with very little (if any) oxidation apparent.

The drier than expected finish shone like – and was as smooth as – satin.

The 1953 Château Doisy Daëne is an outstanding example of aged Sauternes and great value for money.

Only three left – but I might have drunk them by the time you read this… ????


About the Author

Stuart George - Mayfair-based Arden Fine Wines was founded by Stuart George in 2019. Stuart began his wine career 24 years ago working alongside the distinguished Master of Wine and Burgundy expert Anthony Hanson. A holder of the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma in Wine and Spirits since 2000, Stuart has tasted vintages back to 1780. He was UK Young Wine Writer of the Year in 2003. He was winner of the 2019 Scuderia Ferrari Wine Award for “outstanding professional achievements".

Visit Stuart George's Website