This is a BENCHMARK dry Bordeaux blanc made w/ 65% Sauvignon Blanc, lending aromatics, acidity, and brightness; and 35% Semillon, lending weight, body, and softness.
It was fermented in stainless steel, then aged 10 months in oak (25% new), with routine bâtonnage.
It has a brilliant lemon hue with concentrated aromas and flavors of lemon curd, vanilla, cream, gooseberry, freshly cut grass, boxwood, chervil, lemongrass, white peach, white blossom, cheese rind, gunflint, and wet stones. It’s dry with mouth-watering acidity, a medium (+) body, medium alcohol (13% ABV), and a lingering, elegant finish.
It’s complex and balanced, with runway to age and a capacity to develop layers of tertiary characteristics such as honey, dried fruit, and nuttiness.
It comes from the Pessac-Léognan AOC in the Graves region, on the “left bank” of Bordeaux, just south of the Haut-Medoc; an appellation known for its high quality red and white wines. — 3 months ago
Bright mid yellow. Citrus with wet straw, lanolin and a faint paraffin note. On the palate such purity with that zesty citrus and those waxy lanolin notes you get with mature Semillon. Enough acid to propel this wine into the 2030’s to achieve 25 years of age. Lovedale is one of the leading Semillons in the Hunter Valley - the vineyard being planted by Maurice O’Shea in 1946 and the first vintage in 1950. This was my first of 4 bottles, so , fun times ahead!! A multi Trophy winner in National Wine Shows. — 8 months ago
Blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, pale lemon with delicate aromas of citrus, stone fruits and floral notes. On the palate flavors of apple, pear and lime citrus with notes of floral spice. Medium+ finish, rich, vivid acidity and ends with mineral spice. Nice! — a month ago
Mid yellow/pale gold in colour. Yellow fruits, tropical - notes of pineapple. On the palate, same notes - medium plus intensity. Oak, which was obvious 8 years ago is now totally integrated. Finishes dry. An overused descriptor but this is delicious. Good white Bordeaux is a delight. 70% Sauvignon Blanc; 30% Semillon. — 5 months ago
There’s nothing like the excitement of head to head competition. Unfortunately, that excitement ends quickly when one of the participants has to withdraw. The 2013 was extremely advanced with a heavy petrol nose. The 2014 on the other hand was a great example of what this wine should be. A clean nose of grapefruit and grass but not in that overbearing way that can be the case with SB. Once in the mouth SB steps aside and the Semillon becomes the “boss”. Apricot and pears pop up and the initial dose of mouth watering acidity gives way to a wonderful roundness that allows for a long finish. — 5 months ago
A mid straw yellow in colour. Aromas are lemon and lime, lemongrass, mineral, wet hay with toastiness and lanolin starting to emerge at 13 years of age. Light bodied but great intensity - a richer texture for a Semillon, bearing in mind that this wine sees no oak at all - stainless steel all the way. Only 11% alcohol. Luckily I have 4 bottles left - a cellar life extending to 2030+. — 5 months ago
Andrew McIntyre
Such an interesting wine. Super minerally and almost smokey. White Bordeauxs are still a mystery to me. Would drink this anytime happily though! — 19 days ago