Château La Clarière is hailed by Decanter as the leading estate in Côtes de Castillon, a region on Bordeaux’s Right Bank neighbouring the prestigious appellation of Saint-Émilion. While Castillon is traditionally known for its reds, the team at La Clarière has carved out an extraordinary reputation for white wine, planting dedicated white grape vineyards on terroir specifically suited to the varieties. Since its launch, the white has earned a Trophy and 18 Gold medals, a remarkable achievement for a wine made outside the rules of its own appellation.

The 2023 Blanc is produced from three small vineyard plots planted over the past decade, two of Sauvignon Blanc and one of Sauvignon Gris, each harvested at night or by 6am to preserve freshness. The Sauvignon Blanc is picked just at the cusp of ripeness for a grassy, passionfruit character, while the Sauvignon Gris is left to full ripeness to produce a richer, almost spicy style. Around 60% of the grapes are fermented in French oak casks with minimal new wood, lending texture and roundness without an overtly oaky profile. The result is a wine of genuine complexity, drawing comparison to the grand whites of Pessac-Léognan.

Château La Clariere Bordeaux Blanc Notes to Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Rich gold hue, deeper than previous vintages
• AROMA: Opulent notes of ripe peach, guava, creamy citrus, and vanilla oak spice
• TASTE: Medium-bodied with inviting flavors of fresh-sliced pear and lemon, a lovely balance of fruit weight and acidity, with riper stone fruit and luscious spice balanced by mineral freshness
• FINISH: Long, with citrus freshness holding all elements together
• ABV: 13%