Château La Tour Blanche 2016

The freshness and richness of a Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé

The estate

Built in the 18th century, the Château La Tour Blanche is now home to the La Tour Blanche School of Viticulture and Oenology. Premier Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes in 1855, Château La Tour Blanche, which has been owned by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region since 2010, now has an educational vocation while continuing its history of making great Sauternes wines.

The vineyard

The estate’s 40 hectares are located on a terroir subject to the influence of the morning mists from two rivers, favouring the development of botrytis cinerea, the fungus that gives rise to noble rot. Château La Tour Blanche produces elegant Sauternes wines in the shady tranquillity of its cellars, bearing the colours of the appellation.

The vintage

The significant rain that fell from January to June did not initially augur a great vintage. However, the drought from mid-June to mid-September benefitted the growth cycle of the vines. At the beginning of September, the grapes had only to await the arrival of botrytis. It finally developed thanks to the rains of 13 and 30 September. The first selections were made at the end of September (which is quite early) and 14 days of harvesting followed: these ended on 28 October.

Blend                                                       

Sémillon (83%)
Sauvignon Blanc (14%)
Muscadelle (3%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château La Tour Blanche 2016

Tasting

Colour
The wine is of a beautiful golden colour.

Nose
Opening on scents of toast and nuts, the nose releases upon airing all its complexity through refreshing citrus and yellow fruit notes.

Palate
A generous attack with dried apricot and citrus (preserved lemons, mandarins) scents makes way for a fresh palate drawing out to a finish with subtle hints of sweet spice (cinnamon).