Château La Tour Blanche 2011

An opulent, smooth and silky Sauternes white wine

The estate

Built in the 18th century, the Château La Tour Blanche is now home to the La Tour Blanche School of Viticulture and Oenology. Premier Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes in 1855, Château La Tour Blanche, which has been owned by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region since 2010, now has an educational vocation while continuing its history of making great Sauternes wines.

The vineyard

The estate’s 40 hectares are located on a terroir subject to the influence of the morning mists from two rivers, favouring the development of botrytis cinerea, the fungus that gives rise to noble rot. Château La Tour Blanche produces elegant Sauternes wines in the shady tranquillity of its cellars, bearing the colours of the appellation.

The vintage

The year 2011 was marked by a major hailstorm that hit the Sauternes appellation on 25 April 2011 and impacted yields by almost 50%. The mild weather at the end of the summer and during the post-season was ideal for refining the ripeness, giving rise to a vintage that delights with its aromatic expression, freshness and balance.

Blend                                                       

Sémillon (84%)
Sauvignon blanc (12%)
Muscadelle (4%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château La Tour Blanche 2011

Tasting

Colour
The wine is of a beautiful straw yellow colour, adorned with subtle golden highlights.

Nose
Opening on vanilla and toasted notes, the nose releases upon airing more complex notes of smoke and ripe fruit.

Palate
Silky and opulent, the palate unveils all its smoothness throughout the tasting. Apricots, pineapple, vanilla and cinnamon make up the scents that draw out harmoniously to a lingering finish with gourmet praline and milk caramel notes.