Château de France, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, 2015

Clean, crisp, well defined, fruity and easy to drink – a great aperitif style. 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sémillon and 40% new oak for eight months, on the lees.

A clear step up from some of the other wines in the tasting where ripe pear and lemon meringue aromas and flavours enchant. The wine is neither bitter nor varietal, exuding impressive density on the mid palate, leading to a long finish marked by white stone fruit and lift. It integrates the oak derived notes (40% new oak aging) very well. While the 2014 may show better grip and tension, this vintage illustrates how white Pessac-Léognan can succeed in a warmer vintage. An excellent price/quality ratio here. Try with cheese or fish.