Freddy R. Troya

9.6

Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc 2023 — Pessac-Léognan, BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
A precision-driven, electric yet composed white blend of Sauvignon Blanc 79% · Sémillon 21% delivering razor-clean acidity, layered citrus tension, and mineral depth that instantly reconfirms a deep love for Pessac-Léognan whites. Vibrant, energetic, and beautifully balanced, this wine stands shoulder-to-shoulder with many of the top benchmark whites of the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, grapefruit pith, white peach, green apple, crushed stone, subtle smoke, fresh herbs, faint vanilla, and delicate oak spice.

Mouthfeel
Bright, linear acidity with excellent tension and drive. Medium-bodied, sleek and polished, showing freshness without sharpness and a long, mouthwatering finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled branzino or halibut, lemon-herb chicken, goat cheese crostini, sushi and sashimi, scallops with citrus beurre blanc, spring vegetable risotto.

Verdict
A serious, high-class white delivering energy, clarity, and complexity in perfect harmony. Confident, compelling, and dangerously drinkable already while clearly capable of further evolution. A reminder of why Pessac-Léognan whites remain world-class benchmarks.

Did You Know?
Malartic-Lagravière is one of the rare estates classified for both red and white wines in Graves, with a strong focus on precision vineyard management and restrained oak to preserve freshness and terroir expression.

🍷 Personal Pick
This bottle effortlessly showcases balance, tension, and layered nuance that hits exactly my sweet spot, a reaffirmation of my deep love for Pessac-Léognan whites and now firmly seated among my newest favorites. — 5 days ago

Bo Hemian

9.1

A really lovely value skin contact from Slovenia. Delicate oak on the nose, one expects a bit of sweetness but it is bone dry and acidic. It’s surprising but turns out to be great for food (branzino for us). Super clean and elegant for a skin contact wine. Curious if anyone has had an aged bottle… would consider cellaring a couple bottles. — 3 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.2

Crisp, clean, dancing across the palate with zippy acidity. Lemon, yuzu, grapefruit…. Low ABV. Laser-like sharpness cleanses the richness of cacio Pepe and black olive branzino…1200 ft vineyards…absolutely brilliant! — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bisson “ü Pastine” Bianchetta Genovese 2023
Portofino DOC, Liguria, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A rare white wine made from 100% Bianchetta Genovese, an indigenous Ligurian grape, cultivated in steep coastal vineyards above Portofino. The “U Pastine” bottling highlights winemaker Pierluigi Lugano’s commitment to reviving traditional Ligurian varieties. Fresh, saline, and deeply tied to its maritime terroir.

Aromas & Flavors
Fragrant notes of citrus zest, green apple, white peach, and Mediterranean herbs. Subtle accents of sea spray and crushed rocks give the wine its unmistakable Ligurian identity.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, crisp, and energetic with zippy acidity. The finish is marked by a refreshing saline minerality and a delicate citrus lift.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested grapes from terraced vineyards overlooking the sea. Vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity of fruit. Bisson is also known for the famous Abissi Metodo Classico — a sparkling wine aged in the sea off Portofino — though U Pastine is a still white wine, equally unique in its coastal character.

Food Pairing
Perfect with Ligurian seafood classics — anchovies, branzino, or seafood pasta with pesto. Also excellent with raw oysters, fresh mozzarella, and light salads.

Verdict
A vibrant, terroir-driven Ligurian gem that captures the essence of sea, sun, and stone. Refreshing, honest, and endlessly food-friendly — a must-try for lovers of coastal Italian wines. — 5 months ago

Evelyn Frison

9.7

Two part review!
1. BF that knows about wine: Great.
2. Me that knows nothing: Good. Paired with “What We Do in the Shadows” and homemade branzino and scallops. Unmemorable but nice for this night. — 3 years ago

Ericsson

9.3

Very round and progressively open White Burgundy. Pairs with salt baked Branzino with cappers and lemon. C’est magnifique. — 3 years ago

Joshua Figg

9.3

Starts with lots of mineral and citrus notes, crisp all the way through. Paired to perfection with Branzino. — 2 years ago

Holly Gamblin

10

@Estiatorio Milos in Miami enjoying this lovely Sancerre with our Dover Sole and Branzino. This has got to be the lightest, feathery Sancerre we’ve ever had. Sancerre is my favorite for many reasons. Just a beautiful wine for any time of year but beckons you to the beach and a warm breeze. — 3 years ago

Ericsson

9.1

Going big on a Monday with sum salt crusted Branzino and White Burgundy by one of my favorite producers. The Chardonnay is round with slight citrus notes, deep acidity and a honey suckle finish. Absolutely delightful pairing. — 3 years ago

Michael Fiur

10

Smooth white. Trattoria Tramonto. With pizza and branzino — 4 years ago