Don’t be deceived by the simple, Bordeaux Blanc appellation, this tastes rather like a Grand Cu white Burgundy, thanks to the combination of great concentration and seamless harmony. Not a jot too heavy or loud, rather graceful and nimble. With aeration, delicate floral notes emerge alongside the subtle, white-fruit and mirabelle aromas, confirming that this is just beginning a long life. Drink or hold.

A wine that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, the 2016 Château Valandraud Blanc is 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sauvignon Gris brought up in 70% new French oak. This thrilling white boasts tons of lime, citrus, tart pineapple, and exotic flower aromatics and offers medium to full body, beautiful sweetness of fruit, and bright acidity. It’s great today yet has the ability to evolve for 10-15 years.

A white wine that I really want to draw your attention to in this vintage. It delivers freshness, with rich exotic fruits demonstrating a clarity of flavour, and twists of minerality that are not found in all whites in 2016. The blend is 50% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, aged in a variety of barrel sizes. Although 80% is new oak, there is no oak impact discernable beyond the structure. A physical white wine in a year where this is rare. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-valandraud-bordeaux-blanc-bordeaux-france-2016-11354#jFHoIYHBwmklUxrr.99

Enticing, with a bright blast of lemon gelée, white peach and yellow apple flavors backed by a bracing quinine- and honeysuckle-gilded finish. Really lovely. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris. Drink now through 2023. 400 cases made.–JM

Produced from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon, honeysuckle and assorted flowers are the first thing you notice. The wine is round, with concentrated, fresh citrus and sweet pomelo, this is refreshing and fresh. The green apple in the finish adds a nice characteristic. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2016+Valandraud+