Château Monbousquet Blanc

There was just a little frost here this year. Blended of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Sémillon and 5% Muscadelle, the 2017 Blanc comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of ripe apricots, lemon curd and tangerine peel plus nuances of lime leaves, honeysuckle, cedar and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, the palate is very fresh and vibrant with loads of citrusy layers and a minerally backbone, finishing with great length and loads of zip.

Not typical Bordeaux Blanc – neither from the blend, nor from the flavour. Markedly aromatic with grassy Sauvignon Blanc character but also a much richer ripe-pear aroma from the Gris and lifted grapefruit and lemon. Attractive dusty, chalky aroma, too. Rich and full in the mouth and good freshness. Rich, full-bodied and lots of creamy texture. Has depth and freshness in equal measure. Hard to predict how it will age and it may be a wine that divides opinion.

Dried lemon-zest, pineapple, lychee, lemon-grass and spice aromas. Lots of dried pear. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Dense, layered and flavorful. Fresh ginger undertones. Needs a year or two to come together. 400 cases made.