Raymond-Lafon is immediately north of Sauternes’ most historically rated vineyard, Château d'Yquem, and south of Château Suduiraut. For an unclassified property, the winery can mix it up with the best of them at a much more attractive price. It’s close to d’Yquem in style, and one of the most stable and demanded wine in the district. On the nose, this hedonistic Sauternes is viscous and dense, with ultra-ripe fruit and floral aromas like yellow and white flowers, honeysuckle, stewed apricots, candied peach, orange marmalade, lemon curd, mango, and pineapple. These are followed by layers of honey, baking spice, dough, and figs. The wine is full-bodied and unctuous, with just enough acidity to keep it from weighing down your palate, saturating the senses with a mesmerizing blend of rich spice, fruits, and earth. For admirers of the category, it would be prudent to secure a stash of these library vintage half bottles.