2013 Les Champs Libres
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Les Champs Libres, the first under that name, was served en magnum. In some ways, it reflects the shortcomings of the growing season in that it does not have the same level of complexity and concentration as the following vintage. Still, it offers dainty dried honey and hazelnut scents. The palate is light-bodied with hints of beeswax and Conference pear, straightforward towards the finish which suggests that bottles ought to be drunk in the not-too-distant future. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
This was 100% Sauvignon Blanc in 2013. Tasted blind. Attractively reductive and smoky. Creamy and rich in a very distinct reductive style but some weight of citrus fruit to balance the acidity. (JH)
The 2013 Les Champs Libres was a little gem out of barrel and now in bottle it is beginning to fulfill its potential. It has a gorgeous apricot blossom and peachy bouquet that is very well defined with a smudge of melted wax developing in the glass. The palate is well balanced and texturally feels rounded in the mouth, adorned with subtle tropical notes, a slither of lemon peel leading to a tensile and vibrant finish. This is an excellent white from the Guinaudeau family of Lafleur fame.
All Sauvignon Blanc. The idea was to create a vineyard with Sancerre mass selection on limestone – to create a sort of Sancerre on the right bank. Another long-term project. Just 0.8 ha. Real Sancerre echo on the nose. Creamy texture on the palate. Really interesting! Salty and fine. Lip smacking! (JR)
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.