Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. Refulgent in colour, the nose on the Chateau Nairac 2011 offers straightforward dried honey and quince notes, but it seems to lack a little energy compared to the bottle served at the property last year. The palate is viscous on the entry with a fine line of acidity, touches of honeycomb and peach infusing the honeyed fruit, the viscous finish compensating for the lack of aromatic charm. Fortunately, with time in the glass, this Nairac does appear to coalesce and gain weight, yet the nose never meliorates sufficiently to match the palate.

The first sample of Nairac displayed too much sulphur, although the second sample two days later had a well-defined bouquet with kiwi fruit, light honey and a touch of white peach. The palate is well-balanced with fresh, honeyed fruit that has just the right amount of viscosity. The finish is elegant and poised with subtle dried honey as well as lime and kiwi fruit notes that linger in the mouth. This is a very fine Nairac that should age with style. Drink 2014-2030.