2010 Chantegrive Blanc Cuvee Caroline

50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon from a 14 ha vineyard plot planted with 30-year-old vines with a density of 6,200 vines/ha on sandy gravel soils. Grapes were hand-harvested with several tries at a yield of 35 hl/ha and given an eight-hour cold pre-ferment maceration on skins before being fermented in oak barriques. Matured in oak (50% new) for nine months with regular bâtonnage. Quite deep gold. Creamy, oaky, a bit too syrupy. Heavy! Perhaps more dry white of Sauternes than anything truly refreshing. May develop into something more attractive ... ? (JR)

With lovely, smoky grapefruit notes intermixed with buttered citrus, this equal-part blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is medium-bodied and very fine. Drink now-2017.

Beautiful apple and lemon character with hints of cream. Full and bright with lovely acidity and a long finish. James Suckling jamessuckling.com