2023, Château Grand Village, BORDEAUX Blanc (Ch. Lafleur)

White wines have been grown at Grand Village since the 17th Century but gradually gave way to red. In the 1990s Sylvie and Jacques started replanting some of the vineyards with Sauvignon and Semillon, knowing that the vineyards showed great potential to make a fresh, youthful style of white wine. Ten years later vine stock from Sancerre was added by Baptiste and Julie which added extra layers of richness and complexity.

The 2023 vintage is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon.

The Guinedeau family are killing it with the whites in their range, despite being far better known for their reds - for me a true sign that the people behind them are wine lovers, who like drinking them, and are excited about the possibilities. This is far simpler than the Champs Libres, but that doesn't make it any less dynamic, just less structured. Expect here fresh citrus, touch of lime peel, salted cracker, and a juicy finish, once again more about texture than fruit.
92 Jane Anson.

Compared to the 2022, the 2023 Grand Village Blanc is more fruity and dense, evoking aromas of lemon oil, verbena, kumquat and confit citrus. Broad but tensile, it's medium-bodied with a fleshy core of fruit and a delicately phenolic frame that segues into a chalky, saline and bright finish. This blend of 80% Sauvignon and 20% Sémillon is simply stunning.
91-93 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate.

The 2023 Grand Village Blanc has a fragrant bouquet with lime, kiwi fruit and nettle - a little earthy in style. The palate is fresh and sapid with crisp acidity, presenting notes of fresh green apples and pears with a bright and energetic bitter-lemon finish. Delicious.
89-91 Neal Martin.