2017 Monbousquet Blanc

There was just a little frost here this year. Blended of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Sémillon and 5% Muscadelle, the 2017 Blanc comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of ripe apricots, lemon curd and tangerine peel plus nuances of lime leaves, honeysuckle, cedar and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, the palate is very fresh and vibrant with loads of citrusy layers and a minerally backbone, finishing with great length and loads of zip.

The 2017 Monbousquet Blanc, a majority Sauvignon Blanc, has a straightforward bouquet with scents of passion fruit, honeysuckle and jasmine, nicely defined if not overly complex. The palate is well balanced with a fresh entry. There is a nice salinity to this white Saint-Émilion with a little more precision on the finish compared to recent vintages. Fine.

The estate makes a terrific white. The 2017 Chateau Monbousquet Blanc d'Exception is based on 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris, and the balance Semillon and Muscadelle, all brought up in barrel. Notes of ripe pineapple, honeyed citrus, white flowers, and some earthy minerality all emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with beautiful concentration, good acidity, and a great finish. It's well worth seeking out and will shine on the dinner table.