Antoine Moueix

La Fleur Renaissance

Sauternes

2019

Vintage

Varietal

Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc/Muscadelle

Peak 2026-2038

Where it is, September 2026

At Peak: inside the peak window (2026-2038), within the full drinking arc.

In May 2026, the 2019 La Fleur Renaissance is within its drinking window, which opened in 2022, and is entering an excellent phase of development. The wine has had four years of bottle aging to integrate its sweetness, acidity, and botrytis complexity, and the result is a harmonious, layered Sauternes that is entirely ready to drink and also capable of further development through 2038. This is an ideal time to open the wine for the maximum range of its complexity: the botrytis notes are fully expressed, the acidity is vivid and cleansing, and the wine's golden richness is at its most appealing. The peak window, running from 2026 through 2038, makes this an excellent choice for immediate enjoyment.

More wines like this

The ‘19 La Fleur Renaissance.

A classically proportioned Sauternes with brilliant golden color and genuine botrytis complexity, reaching its prime drinking phase.

Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) drinking timeline

Full drinking arcYou are here · at peak, 2026

Storage and bottle condition can shift the experience.

Full drinking arc 2022-2045Peak window 2026-2038

The peak window sits inside the broader full drinking arc.

Tasting note

Antoine Moueix's La Fleur Renaissance is a Sauternes that captures the spirit of the appellation in a style that bridges traditional richness with a modern freshness of presentation. The 2019 vintage was shaped by ideal late-season botrytis conditions, and the wine reflects that origin with a brilliant golden color and the kind of complex aromatic profile that only genuine noble rot can produce. The nose is at once sweet and complex, with apricot, candied citrus peel, and honey as the primary aromatic pillars, followed by ginger, saffron, and a subtly smoky, waxy quality that develops with time in the glass. The pronounced Sauternes sweetness on the palate is seamlessly integrated with bright acidity that prevents any feeling of cloying weight, creating a glycerous, lush mid-palate experience that is long and deeply satisfying. The multiple-pass harvest that is standard for quality Sauternes ensures that only fruit at peak botrytis development was picked, resulting in the concentration and aromatic complexity that distinguishes this from simpler sweet wine. Sémillon's natural waxy character forms the structural backbone, with the Sauvignon Blanc contributing lift and citrus precision and the Muscadelle adding a floral, exotic quality that completes the bouquet. A classically proportioned, beautifully balanced Sauternes of genuine character and appeal.

The 2019 vintage

The 2019 vintage in Sauternes was considered excellent to outstanding, with late-season botrytis conditions that allowed for the selective multiple-pass harvesting that quality Sauternes demands. The autumn weather brought humidity and morning mists that encouraged Botrytis cinerea development on the fully ripe Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, followed by warm, dry afternoons that concentrated the botrytised fruit rather than encouraging bunch rot. The result was a vintage of exceptional aromatic complexity and clean, vibrant acidity, producing wines with the structure to age gracefully while also offering immediate pleasure.

About Antoine Moueix

Antoine Moueix is a Bordeaux producer from the Moueix family, one of Bordeaux's great dynasties with a long history on both the Right Bank and in Sauternes. La Fleur Renaissance represents the estate's Sauternes offering, produced with the rigorous harvesting standards and careful vinification that the appellation's finest properties employ. The wine is made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, the classic Sauternes blend, with each variety contributing its characteristic qualities to the final assemblage.

From the cellar: pair with

Roquefort with walnut bread and fresh figs

The wine's sweet-acidic tension is the classic foil for pungent blue cheese, with the walnut and fig bridging the savory and sweet elements of both.

Foie gras au torchon with brioche and fleur de sel

The pairing of Sauternes and foie gras is one of the great classic combinations in French gastronomy, with the wine's acidity cutting the richness of the liver perfectly.

Tarte tatin with creme fraiche

The wine's apricot and honey notes echo the caramelized apple character of tarte tatin, with the creme fraiche providing a savory bridge between wine and dessert.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 8-10C / 46-50F
Decanting: No decanting required. Chill to serving temperature and serve in a small white wine glass. Pour modest portions and allow to warm slightly in the glass.
Cellar Storage: 10-12C / 50-54F

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Frequently Asked

What is Sauternes and how is it made?

Sauternes is a sweet wine from the Bordeaux region made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. The fungus dehydrates the berries, concentrating sugar and creating complex aromatic compounds. Grapes are harvested in multiple passes over several weeks to select only perfectly botrytised fruit.

Is 2019 a good vintage for Sauternes?

Yes. 2019 is considered an excellent Sauternes vintage with ideal botrytis conditions, producing wines of exceptional aromatic complexity and clean, balancing acidity.

When should I drink this?

The canonical CAI full drinking arc is 2022-2045. Within that arc, the peak window is 2026-2038. The full arc is the broader period the wine may drink well; the peak window is when it is most likely to show its best balance. Storage, fill level, cork condition, and preference can shift the decision. Taste before adding more air or holding the rest.

How should I serve Sauternes?

Serve lightly chilled at 8-10C in a small wine glass. Portion modestly as the wine is rich and intense. A small glass is often more satisfying than a full pour.