Château Sigalas Rabaud 'Le Lieutenant de Sigalas', 2020, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

A little piece of Premier Cru Classé history, without having to wait decades to enjoy it. 

About the wine

Born from the same precious 14 hectares as the estate's Premier Cru Classé Sauternes, Le Lieutenant carries six generations of family winemaking history. Today, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot looks after this little jewel of a vineyard, the smallest Premier Cru Classé estate in Sauternes, where the family has been making wine since 1863.

Unlike its prestigious older sibling, Le Lieutenant is made to be enjoyed younger. But don't mistake approachability for simplicity.

Made entirely from Sémillon and aged for 12 months in oak barrels, the 2019 vintage was no easy ride. A warm, dry September made the development of noble rot particularly tricky, meaning the team had to work quickly and select each grape with great care. The result? A beautifully balanced Sauternes, full of sweetness but with plenty of freshness to match.

The lieutenant might be second in command, but it certainly deserves a place at the table.

Tasting Notes

Delicate white flowers, ripe orchard fruits and a luscious, silky texture, lifted by a lovely fresh finish. Sweet, certainly, but with enough brightness to keep every sip interesting.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Forget saving Sauternes just for dessert. Try it with chicken liver pâté, foie gras, creamy blue cheese or roast chicken. For something sweet, think peach tart, poached pears or a simple fruit crumble. And if you're feeling adventurous, spicy Asian dishes make a brilliant match too.

About the Winemaker

The story begins in 1863, when Henri de Sigalas purchased the estate. Forty years later, his son sold most of the property but kept its finest 14 hectares, affectionately naming them the Jewel of Sigalas. A rather clever decision, considering that today it remains the smallest Premier Cru Classé estate in Sauternes, sitting just next door to the legendary Château d'Yquem.

Today, Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, the sixth generation, looks after this family treasure. A trained oenologist, she's passionate about protecting the old vines and the remarkable terroir beneath them. Think gravel deposited by the Garonne some 600,000 years ago, a sunny south-facing slope and a vineyard where biodiversity matters as much as what's in the glass. Herbicides are out; traditional vineyard knowledge is very much in.