Château La Tour Blanche, 1er Cru Classé, Sauternes, 2022

I find a sweet, fragrant and focused nose on the 2022 La Tour Blanche, with sweet pineapple and pear fruits, along with notes of mint and finely crushed minerals. The palate feels broad and loosely composed, with a modest concentration of tropical and orchard fruits mirroring the nose, with a strident backbone of fresh acidity. Fresh, pithy, bright and mineral, with a rather firm streak of acidity, and admirable bitterness, this has a charming composition, with great acid vigour which carries it through to the finish. A good result, although one that majors on freshness, minerality and bitterness rather than opulent sweetness. The alcohol on the label is 14%.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2050

date of review 06/2025

The 2022 La Tour Blanche sprints out of the block with hints of yellow plum, lanolin and stem ginger, though it all feels nicely controlled. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity that cuts through the thickly textured botrytised fruit. Marmalade and orange rind interlace the finish. It's very fine, reassuringly bold and expressive.

DRINKING WINDOW 2027 - 2050

date of review 02/2025

With a vibrant, lively bouquet composed of notes of pineapple, saffron, spices, vanilla pod and ripe orchard fruit, the 2022 La Tour Blanche, a blend of 85% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle, possesses a moderately weighted, fleshy core of fruit with tension and bright acids on the finish. Fresh and well-crafted, it needs time to chill out. This has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar.

DRINKING WINDOW 2034 - 2054

date of review 01/2025