2001 Reignac Blanc

Undoubtedly the finest producer among the generic Bordeaux properties, Reignac's 2001 Bordeaux blanc, a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, and 5% Muscadelle, was made from tiny yields of only 21 hectoliters per hectare, aged on its lees for 8 months in 100% new oak, and bottled with as minimal clarification as possible. This gorgeous effort will probably not be as long-lived as some of the great whites of Pessac-Leognan, but it will provide strong competition over the next 2-4 years. Sumptuous notes of orange marmalade intermixed with honeysuckle, sealing wax, and lemon zest soar from the glass of this medium-bodied, elegant, brilliant, fresh, lively, and oh, so complex 2001. It is a knock-out dry white that demonstrates what is possible from a quality-conscious, highly motivated producer.