Haut Brion Blanc 2011

A blend of 42.1% Sauvignon and 57.9% Semillon, the Haut Brion Blanc has a slightly deeper colour than the La Mission Blanc. It displays great minerality on the nose, with precision and clarity, notes of green apple, lime flower, zest and white peach. The palate is medium-bodied with great precision on the entry, lovely poise, very elegant with a beautiful, delicate white peach and mineral finish with hints of guava and lychee in the background. Superb. Tasted April 2012.

This white from Haut-Brion is very full and rich, with apple pie, lemon and papaya. Full body, opulent and almost oily. This is decadent. Very delicious to drink now but wait at least three to four years. 58% sauvignon blanc and 42% sémillon.

The undisputed king of Bordeaux's dry white wines. Truly great but produced in miniscule quantities and normally available in tiny quantities to regular buyers. The 2.8 hectare vineyard produces around 500 cases per annum. This year it is made from 58% Semillon and 42% Sauvignon Blanc. Great balance here. Crisp and bright but rich and complex. Silky textured, full bodied yet mineral and balanced. Fabulous Haut Brion Blanc.

There are a lot of powerful flavours on the nose with a mix of fruits. The palate has depth of flavour quite firm in the middle with sweetness showing towards the back. The fruit power is well balanced by the freshness a wine with power yet elegance.

As well as making the best red wine of the vintage, Haut-Brion has also produced the outstanding dry white. This is restrained and very elegant, with layer upon layer of flavour of beeswax, toast, citrus fruit and subtle, integrated vanilla oak. The wine is delicious now from barrel, but should develop into one of the great Haut-Brion whites. It's ripe and textured, yet beautifully balanced at the same time. 5+ years.

Floral, lifted dry herbs nose, quite rich on the palate with great vivacity and elegance, great purity and length.