2023, Les Champs Libres, BORDEAUX Blanc (Ch. Lafleur)

In 2013 Julie and Baptiste began separating out some of the parcels of Sauvignon Blanc that had been growing from the Sancerre stock - they were becoming increasingly impressed with the wines from certain areas with a clay/limestone sub-soil. The result is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc which combines the fruit from three key vineyard parcels - À Louima, Les Pèchers and Les Acacias - and blended to create Les Champs Libres. In 2014 a new parcel Mathilde was added.

This 2023 white is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc (Massal selections from Sancerre)

Has there been a better launch in Bordeaux in recent years than this wine? Once again it presents an arresting, steel-tipped example of what can be produced in the region. Pummice stone texture, shot through with citrus, lime bud, lime zest, sage, grated ginger, confit lemon, with energy and lift. Unracked until this point, 80% new oak for ageing. Hard not to want to own this wine, from the same team as Lafleur in Pomerol.
97 Jane Anson.

Lime and honeysuckle aromas here, as well as lemon rind. It has a medium to full body, a dense center-palate and crunchy fruit. It's rich on the finish, yet remains vivid and long.
94-95 James Suckling.

The 2023 Les Champs Libres is pure Sauvignon Blanc. Interestingly, you would not pick this up as Sauvignon Blanc on the nose. It's very pretty, with more orchard fruit than bell pepper scents. Further hints of white peach come through with time. The two-thirds new oak is already very well integrated. The palate is particularly well balanced, with a pure lime cordial and peachy entry, a fine bead of acidity and a tensile, persistent finish. This is absolutely delicious with bells on.
92-94 Neal Martin.