Château Grand Village, Blanc, Bordeaux, 2015

A blend of 34% Sauvignon and 66% Semillon harvested between the 5th and 9th September. There is more Semillon in the blend than usual because, in Baptiste Guinaudeau’s words, “these are the best Semillons we have produced, there was a short window to harvest them but it worked out extremely well for us.” The price to pay is quantity, with yields of up to 25% down on an average crop. The Semillon is evident here for the texture and complexity it adds to the blend. A fleshy, plump character is offset by great freshness. Notes of citrus, crushed nettle, salt and a faint touch of gooseberry. The most complex Grand Village we have tasted. A fine white Bordeaux that punches well above its weight.