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Château La Garde Blanc 2014

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Community Reviews

There are 10 user submitted reviews for this wine.

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This white, from Pessac-Leognan, is built around Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Semillon.
The aromatics are somewhat more tropical and exotic than a lot of other comparable Bordelais whites in the same price range. Partly, this may be due to the high levels of Sauvignon Gris in the blend. The Gris mutation has a dusty whitish-pink skin colour that imparts different flavonol components than the Blanc variant. It's a less herbaeous grape. It often is described as grapefruit and peaches.
High proportions of Semillon give this wine great body and texture. This wine saw enough new oak for it to be noticeable. It has a toasted pinapple flavour that kicks off. Vanilla wafer, peaches, baked apple, and creme brulee.
2012 was a rainy vintage, in Bordeaux. It was cool and the reds struggled to ripen in places, lile the Left Bank. The nice thing about cool Bordeaux vintages is that the whites remain rock-solid. Sometimes their aromatics are helped by the cool temperatures.
Put this fabulous wine in your cellar for a term of 5-7 years, or crack it with some lobster po'boys.
Melanie Aubert rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

The Château La Garde Blanc is a blend of mainly sauvignon blanc, with a bit of sauvignon gris (which I had never heard of before, but is a pink-coloured clonal mutation of sauvignon blanc) and semillon. The nose is quite complex, showing pineapple, peach, a fresh vegetal aroma, melon and a hint of vanilla and caramel (11% of this wine is aged on new oak). The sauvignon blanc is grown in limestone soil, lending this medium-bodied wine an attractive mineral quality as well as mouthwatering acidity that makes it a very food-friendly wine. It even went with the delicious beef served by the Andaz, but it would work with a wide variety of dishes, from lighter fish dishes to honey ham or pulled pork tacos.

Get the whole story at https://winingwithmel.com/2017/04/16/intro-to-bordeaux-dourthe/
Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Delicate yet complex. What a wonderful white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Semillon grapes. This wine's bouquet reveals a lovely freshness of white peaches, apples, lemons, green herbs, and minerality. It also has subtle notes of dried brioche. The wine is round, with a soft mouthfeel and balanced, bright and refreshing acidity. The medium finish tastes of stone fruits. Score 90. (S.Segard, reviewed April 2017)
Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

The La Garde Chateau in Pessac-Léognan has 3.9 ha under vine that is planted 73% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Sauvignon Gris and 10% Semillon, so this is a small production white Bordeaux blend. The quantity may be small but the quality is not! Aromas of lemon and spice with a soft mouthfeel from the use of a small amount of new oak. There is plenty of minerality and citrus from the gravel/clay/limestone soil. According to the Head Winemaker at Dourthe the grapes are harvested based on acidity and not sugar levels - so the end result is a fresh white blend that leaves you wanting more. Tasted April 13, 2017.
Lynn van der Linde rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

With grapes grown in the Pessac-Léognan region. This appellation is known for some of the finest gravel soils, which produce delicate yet sophisticated wine. Three quarters of this white wine is derived from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and the balance from Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon, making for a very fresh palate with crisp acidity. A perfect pairing with seafood and fish, or summer fresh salads.
Tasted April 2017.
Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This is a beautifully balanced wine. Aromas of light citrus, lime zest, and a bit of a soft floral note. Primarily Sauvignon Blanc, but also containing Sauvignon Gris and Semillon, this wine sees a small proportion in new oak (11-12%) to add just a bit of softness and balance. Nice acidity to bring the flavours out and extend the finish. Pair with brie cheese or seafood pasta in a cream sauce.
David Skinner rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Medium gold and clean. Delicate nose with citrus, floral and minerality. Solid acidity and refreshing with lemon and white peach flavors. A persistent finish blending the citrus and minerality of Sauvignon Blanc with the more dulcet tones from Semillon.

A perfect partner for shellfish or poached sole with a light cream sauce.
Gwen Barton rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Beautiful expression of white Bordeaux blend. This wine is predominately Sauvignon Blanc which brings acidity and gentle hints of herbs and grass. Smaller amounts of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris add to the complexity of the wine with floral, white peach blossom and melon notes. Pleasant finish with some tropical fruit and minerality. Crisp and refreshing, very enjoyable. Tasted April 2017
Jane Staples rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

So delicate! A beautifully aromatic and crisp white, blended from mainly Sauvignon Blanc with small quantities of Sauv Gris and Semillon. Finely balanced with notes of white florals, ripe lemon, lychee, cedar and minerality.
Tasted April 2017
Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

There is citrus, green melon, flint, unripe green tropical fruit. Vibrant acidity but a roundness as well. 92 points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)




Natalie's Review

Château La Garde Blanc 2014, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux DOC, France: This Bordeaux white wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Semillon grapes is crisp and fresh, an exemplar of the limestone soils in which it grows. Racy acidity provides a wonderful back-drop for fresh seafood and shellfish. Finishes with lemongrass. Drink: 2015-2023. 194001 13% XD 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 93/100. April 26, 2017 Top Rated White Wine.  Full Review

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