Chateau Filhot Sauternes, 1983

Chateau Filhot didn't get high marks from the critics in 1983, primarily because the grapes from the estate were not as botrytized as usual. At 28 years of age, though, it's still an enjoyable dessert wine.

The deep old gold color turns to copper soon after the cork is pulled and the wine is exposed to oxygen. Not much honey but abundant sweet, ripe apricot on the nose and palate. The texture is rich and seems to get richer over the next day or so. No hard edges at all and a rich, sweet finish.