The 2007 Raymond-Lafon was tasted from two bottles. The second is slightly better with dried honey, a touch of petrol, saffron and yellow flowers on the nose with a hint of orange zest emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, smooth in texture with orange rind, marmalade and touches of allspice. Moderate length. This is probably at its peak. Tasted at the 2007 horizontal in Sauternes.

Rather pale color. Pungent aromas of orange oil, lemon curd and tropical fruits. Then very sweet and honeyed, but with a juicy quality to the botrytis and lovely floral lift in the mouth. Finishes quite suave, with a lingering flavor of apricot. For the first time since the 1960s, this estate was able to pick entire clusters, noted owner Jean-Pierre Meslier, who said he made a "full crop" of 25 hectoliters per hectare. But the 2005, he added, is bigger and fuller.

Pale straw. Quite big and rich and massive. Pear juice and very intense. Very well done! Obviously lots of botrytis and almost but not quite over the top. Very clean and precise. Yes! Long. (JR)