| Appellation |
Sauternes |
| Area under vine |
27 hectares |
| Soil |
Gravel, clay and limestone |
| Production |
3,000 cases of Grand Vin, 1,200 cases of second wine |
| Cepages |
90% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon |
| Elevage |
24 months in barrels of which 30% are new |
| 1855 Classification |
Second growth |
‘D'Arche quality improved greatly through the 1980's. The style of the wine is very unctuous, rich fruit no doubt because of the high percentage of Semillon, but also because of the late harvesting and the proprietor's serious commitment (there are normally 7-10 passes through the vineyard to pick only those grapes that are affected by botrytis). Given the quality of the wines d'Arche are some of the most reasonably priced Sauternes.' Robert Parker
‘d'Arche has shown a great renaissance since 1983. Ideally located between Chateau Guiraud and La Tour Blanche, stylistically too the wine is a halfway house both honeyed and liquoreux and peachy; certainly one of the better second growth Sauternes.' Clive Coates MW
http://www.chateaudarche-sauternes.com/ - interesting website
1998 VINTAGE
Peter Bourne TheWineMan (Rating 91)
Chateau d'Arche is well regarded 2nd Growth Sauternes, its wines a big step up in quality since the 1983 vintage. Its 27 hectares are planted predominately with semillon with just 10% sauvignon. Elevage is for 24 months with 30% new oak. The wine shows its 10 years bottle age nicely with intense bouquet of creme caramel, lime marmalade and candied honey. The palate is richly flavoured with a sense of "warmth", generosity and unctuousness. The texture is intensified by the, now fully integrated, oak influences, which gives a toffee almond edge of complexity to the finish. Serve with crème brulee and vanilla-infused cream.
Robert Parker (Rating 88)
2003 tasting. A subtle nose of peach and white flowers. The palate has a good level of botrytis though seems a bit rigid in the mouth. Not a sensuous wine but focused, with aniseed and marmalade notes on the mid-palate.
Michael Broadbent MW
1998 d'Arche has good weight and flavour.
Provenance - a cold European cellar
