2016 Rahoul

78% Sémillon, 22% Sauvignon Blanc. Rich nose but very lively on the palate. Classic dry white bordeaux without any oakiness nor oiliness. Sémillon at its cleanest and most refreshing. Very attractive. Quite long. (JR)

Lots of smoke tobacco, earth, and savory, meaty dark fruits emerge from the 2016 Château Rahoul, which is medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannins and solid balance. This is an enjoyable, well-made wine to drink over the coming decade or so.

78% Sémillon, 22% Sauvignon Blanc. 5 ha white vines out of 40 ha, averaging 25 years. Sémillon on gravelly sand and clay-gravel, and Sauvignon Blanc on clay-limestone. 5,600 vines/ha; 50 hl/ha. Hand harvest in the cool of the morning. Gentle pressing under nitrogen from 0.2 to 1.2 bar (Bucher Inertys pressing system). Must clarification to 150–200 NTU. Barrel fermentation at 20 °C in 15% new French oak. No MLF. Eight months’ maturation in barrel, on lees, with bâtonnage. TA 3.95 g/l, pH 3.29, RS <2 g/l. Tasted blind. Pale gold. Hint of asparagus sweat/reduction, then nutty oak and some lemon. Botrytis? Rich and full bodied with a hint of sweetness against the brisk acidity. Quite heady. A bit clunky, with green and lemon fruit. Touch of spice to the finish. (TJ)