2003 Château Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

This is a 50:50 blend of the two white Bordeaux grapes Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc but the latter is much more obvious on the nose. Rather reminiscent of a California Sauvignon Blanc in its great richness! Already glowing and full and rich. A very easy-to-love drink and with its additional aroma and sharpness on the palate it made a more comfortable partner for our ceviche than the Laville.

Drink 2010 - 2025

13.9% alcohol; 52% Sauvignon Blanc and 48% Semillon.

Pale yellow-green color. Precise aromas and flavors of crystallized lime, grapefruit, minerals and white flowers. At once solid and gripping, with firm acids giving this firmly structured wine excellent cut. Perhaps most impressive today on the minty, minerally finish, which features a whiplash of flavor and outstanding persistence. The 2005 vintage for white wine offers a superb combination of the freshness of 2004 and the density of 2003, notes enologist Jean-Philippe Masclet.

Although limited in availability, Haut-Brion Blanc is the Rolls Royce of the dry white wines of Graves. The colossal 2003 is super-rich, full-bodied, and unctuously-textured with plenty of fig, melon, honeysuckle, and bees’ wax characteristics in addition to enormous concentration and a huge finish. Remarkably, the grapes for this cuvee were harvested in mid-August. It should evolve and drink well for 30+ years.

Drink 2006 - 2036