Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality wines. Château Gilette is many wine lovers’ favourite château in Sauternes and has developed a fine reputation internationally, especially with connoisseurs of sweet wines and iconic Bordeaux vineyards.

What is more, over the years, as a top-flight restaurant wine buyer and sommelier, I’ve been very fortunate to get my hands on and taste many vintages of such rare and special wines. These highly prized jewels, amongst others are the cornerstone of my Roving Sommelier Collection.

Château Gilette does not do things in the ‘normal’ way as opposed most châteaux in Sauternes. Its owners’ insistence to do things differently has helped this iconic Sauternes château to become a cult wine. In addition, despite the fact that Gilette is not classified either, it makes some of the most sublime Sauternes. The best sommeliers in the world are tripping over themselves to list these wines in their restaurants. I fondly remember tasting several vintages of Château Gilette over the years, but with the “Crème de Tête”, you’re really getting the best of the best, as it’s the top wine of the estate and only made in the best years.

Uniquely, Château Gilette ages its wines for many years, even decades, in concrete vats before bottling. These unctuously sweet nectars are built to last.

1986 vintage was regarded as a great one with many top Bordeaux wines especially those in Sauternes. This one has evolved beautifully and is still fairly youthful and is richly flavoured and sweet with good acidity. The 1986 Château Gilette “Crème de Tête” is a very memorable wine from one of the best vintages that deserves to be enjoyed on very special occasions and in a convivial atmosphere.