Château de Myrat 2020

Complex, spicy aromatics; oily richness, noticeable volume, a supporting core of bitter almond, fruit-driven finish of dried fruits; still in its infancy, should be allowed to age a bit.

A broad, honeyed style, with pie crust, pineapple, baked apple and toasted almond notes. Reveals a light honeysuckle echo that adds lift on the finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2034. 1,250 cases made.

A little closed on the nose, not very expressive; the same on the palate, quite sombre and not very lively, with a thick, creamy honey, vanilla and caramel note—more dulce de leche than zesty and vibrant. It does have charm though, and a place at the table—it would be amazing with ice cream.

96% Sémillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle. Pale yellow with a translucent rim. Citrus and floral notes. Limited, if any, botrytis. Sweet attack but relatively short and simple. Lacks complexity and length. (JL)

I tasted the 2020 Château de Myrat from two bottles. The first is horrendously corked, and the second just lacks some chutzpah, a little introverted compared to its peers. The palate is well balanced and quite elegant in style, with notes of dried honey mixed with tangerine and fennel, fanning out gently on the finish. Like other 2020 Sauternes, it is the aromatics that leave something to be desired, though they might manifest with bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Pale golden yellow, silver reflections. Subtle notes of wood, nuances of vanilla and tangerine zest, yellow tropical fruit and honey in the background. Medium complexity, powerful, juicy yellow peaches, an integrated sweetness, silky texture, fine lemony nuances on the finish, medium length, already well developed.

Spicy nose, red pepper and saffron with unctuous yellow fruit, dense palate with ripe acidity, fine oak and a long, fleshy finish.

A blend of 96% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Blanc, and 2% Muscadelle, with 120 g/l of residual sugar, the 2020 de Myrat has a pale lemon-straw color. It features delicate notes of saffron, lemon verbena, and lime leaves, leading to a core of lemon tart, grapefruit oil, and green mango. The palate is vibrant, yet elegantly styled, with beautiful balance and a whispered, yet persistent, finish.

A fruity nose with notes of orange and a hint of Chinese lacquer. The oak is evident on the attack, but behind it the wine is round and suave.

Rather moderate in intensity, Myrat reveals notes of crème brûlée along with a floral touch. With good density, the wine aims above all to shine through its balance. A wine that can certainly be approached in its youth, yet has the potential to evolve over time. A combative Myrat, true to its terroir and ready to span several decades.

At the time of tasting, the wine wasn’t showing well. The nose was absent, with a fleeting hint of lemongrass. On the palate, it shows a classic dried apricot profile, with finesse and medium breadth. The finish is on lemon.

Bright golden yellow. Opulent bouquet of dried chamomile blossoms, acacia honey and orange marmalade, with hay blossom and Turkish nougat in the background. Syrupy palate with an oily texture, supported by a racy backbone and a powerful body. Focused finish with Cointreau, grapefruit zest and saffron, rounded off.

This is a rich wine, still young. Its ripe fruits and sweetness are concentrated, showing a poise between simplicity and fine tropical fruits. Drink from 2026.