Blanc de Lynch Bages 2018

The 2018 Blanc de Lynch Bages is showing a little reduction, opening out to notions of warm peaches, passion fruit and gooseberries plus suggestions of honeysuckle, coriander seed and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, the palate is completely filled with tropical and citrus flavors plus a racy backbone, finishing long with a touch of chalkiness.

Bottled in May, the 2018 Blanc de Lynch Bages was matured for six months in 50% new oak, the Sauvignon Blanc fermented in tank. This has more vigor and attack on the nose compared to the 2017, delivering citrus fruit, Granny Smith apples and fresh pear aromas. The saline palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and a pretty, fresh malic finish. I prefer this to the 2017. Drink 2020-2025.

A fresh and fruity white with sliced-apple and lemon character. Layered and a hint of tannic texture. Lemon zest and lots of energy.

59% Sauvignon Blanc, 21% Sémillon, 20% Muscadelle. 13.1% pH 3.08. Two-thirds fermented in tank, one-third in barrel. Will be bottled in 10 days. Complex aroma that is herbal, spicy and with a lovely nose that is so typically Bordeaux Blanc. Cedary but with lemon and grapefruit freshness too. Slight grip, moderate concentration, more interesting aromatically than for its intensity. Not very long but super-fresh. (JH)Drink 2020-2024