2021 Les Champs Libres
Buying options
Tasting Notes
Deep and layered, the 2021 Les Champs Libres is almost shockingly rich. It offers a beguiling mix of Sauvignon character with notable structure. Intensely floral and mineral nuances come alive with a bit of time. The 2021 is the first vintage made in the new cellar, which is also colder and therefore likely to result in longer élevage for the wines to fully come together. This is a fabulous white from the Guinadeau family.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Les Champs Libres comes from the two Sauvignon clones (Bordeaux and those propagated from Sancerre clones), and it was picked on 9 and 11 September. Matured in 70% new oak (Burgundy 228-litre Taransaud barrels) had strong yeasty aromas that is due to the aforementioned lower temperatures in the cellar retarding its evolution. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, more developed with orange zest and apricot, a touch of ginger towards the very focused and persistent finish. Baptiste Guinaudeau suggested that this vintage will undergo a longer élevage than usual, and as such, I would also recommend affording it some bottle age, as it is likely to evolve equally slowly.
Les Champs Libres hits it out of the park in 2021. Gunsmoke opener, followed by structured white peach, pear, sage, crushed rocks, green apple, pummice stone slate and liquourice bud, with a squeeze of sweeter citrus pureee as it opens up in the mid palate. A truly great white that doesn't try too hard to impress, and is content to take its time. Savoury, mouthwatering, delicious. Harvest September 9 to 11. 100% aged in barrels.
About the producer
The Société Civile du Ch. Lafleur is the collective name for the Guinaudeau family’s wines and estates. These are some of the Right Bank’s most famous wines, including Ch. Lafleur and Les Pensées in Pomerol, along with Les Perrières, Les Champs Libres and Ch. Grand Village in Fronsac.