The Château La Tour Blanche 2014 is a blend of 82% Sémillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle that has 130 grams per liter residual sugar, a level that might be lower than what I was expecting, though still around average for the vintage. The Sémillon is matured in wooden barrel, the other two varieties in stainless steel. It was showing a little muddled on the nose due to a dab of SO2, though that is no crime, no fault at this early stage. Putting that aside, the palate shows great potential with intense honeyed fruit, plenty of botrytis, veins of orange zest and quince that seems to “flow” through the finish. It will need some bottle age, but we all know how this Sauternes repays patience. I have my faith in this La Tour Blanche.

Marzipan and cream and intense ripe citrus give a complex aroma. Honeyed and viscous on the palate with very good harmony between the richness and the acidity. Very persistent. (JH)