Les Champs Libres, Guinaudeau, 2021
Like the Grand Villages Blanc, this is a beneficiary of the new dedicated white wine cellar. Backward and brooding initially, but with great intensity and precision. A very serious white that needs time. A little aeration gradually peels back some of its layers, tense lemon, lime and white currant fruit, with touches of dry stones and rock salt. Un-waveringly linear and long with expansive mineral notes echoing on the finish. A grand white from Bordeaux, as opposed to a Bordeaux white, this is a truly transcendental wine. Founded in 2013 by Julie and Baptiste Guinaudeau, Les Champs Libres is a reflection of the Lafleur philosophy through a white wine. Les Champs Libres originates from the clay-limestone soils on the plateau of Louima, a great match with their loire-originated Sauvignon Blanc genetics. 100% Sauvignon Blanc picked on the 9 and 11 September. Aged in barrels, 30% new (but very neutral) oak.
critic reviews
Les Champs Libres 2021 is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and it slowly unfurls to reveal delicate notes of lime leaves, yuzu, and citron blossom, opening out to nuances of sea spray, Marcona almonds, and wet pebbles. The medium-bodied palate is intense and racy, with citrus zest and minerally layers, finishing very long and zippy.
Pale gold colour, with steel and flint immediately apparent on the nose. Opens to show white pear, apple, grated ginger, salted cracker, tight and concentrated, real depth through the core. You can drink it now but will improve further. Harvest September 9 to 11. 100% aged in barrels. Look out also for the Grand Village Blanc from the same team.
The 2021 Les Champs Libres, from white clay soils, has a less yeasty nose than I noticed from barrel, gaining more refinement as I suspected. Scents of dried white flowers and candle wax are well defined, developing crushed limestone notes with aeration. The palate is very well-balanced with orange pith, citrus peel, hints of white peach and mango toward the finish. There’s a lovely underlying tropical element here with a hint of lemongrass on the aftertaste. Excellent.
Regularly one of the standout dry white wines from the Bordeaux appellation, the 2021 Blanc, a blend of 73% Sauvignon (picked on the 9th, 11th and 13th of September) and 27% Semillon (picked on the 7th of September), offers up a fresh, delicate and elegant bouquet with aromas of lemon oil, lemon, spices, lime tree leaves, menthol and perfectly ripe orchard fruits. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and racy, it's layered and seamless, its concentrated core of fruit framed by racy acids and a calcareous, saline finish.