| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Bordeaux (White) |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre sélection massale clones, the Les Champs Libres 2017 Blanc opens with very alluring scents of jasmine, peach blossoms and oyster shells over a core of lemon curd, yuzu and key lime pie. Medium-bodied, the palate has a razor fine line of crisp acidity cutting through the intense, tightly wound citrus fruit layers, finishing very long, chalky and deliciously invigorating. Seriously, this is like drinking liquid minerals. Made by the forward-thinking, highly attuned and very talented Guinaudeau family (of Chateau Lafleur fame), this inspired wine is truly coming into its own from this vintage, and it is well-worth seeking out! 2021 - 2028
The 2017 Les Champs Libres comes from a parcel that was least harmed by the spring frost (40% of normal volume.) It has a wonderful, expressive bouquet with scents of yellow plum, jasmine and apricot aromas (quite strict on the day of my tasting.) The palate is well balanced with a vibrant and lightly spiced opening. Just a slither of bitter orange appears towards the finish that is extremely long and cohesive. This is an outstanding Les Champs Libres. Drink 2022-2035.
This is a wild, intense white with so much sliced-apple, lime and papaya character. It’s full and dense, yet shows vibrancy and power on the finish. Aniseed and Sicilian lemon rind. Wild white. Fantastic, crazy finish to this. Drink or hold.
The 2017 Les Champs Libres was picked from 29 August to 2 September according to winemaker Baptiste Guinaudeau (see Lafleur in Pomerol). It has an attractive bouquet with nectarine, white peach and a touch of almond, all very well defined and showing a little more intensity than the Grand Village Blanc tasted alongside. The palate is well balanced with a twist of sour lemon on the entry, fine depth with plenty of energy. There is a touch of sea salt towards the finish with a hint of ginger on the aftertaste, completing what is rapidly becoming one of the benchmark white wines of Bordeaux.
There is only one-third of the normal production this year. Composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2017 Blanc has electric intensity and scents of pure mandarin peel, pink grapefruit, yuzu zest and crushed stones. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant, intense and crisp, finishing long and chalky.
