Château Haut Bertinerie, Blaye Cotes du Bordeaux (France) Sauvignon Blanc 2019

 Pre-fermentation skin contact maceration, fermentation in new oak barrels, and 11 months of lees aging come together to give this old-vine Sauvignon Blanc a full-bodied, creamy texture and golden hue.  Typical Sauvignon Blanc characteristics are on full display, including grass, lemon zest, and stony minerality, finding themselves immersed in honey suckle, baked apple, and mango.  The wine’s rich texture, vibrant flavors, and still zippy acidity nicely balance out the relatively high 13.5% alcohol.  This wine is a great example of what is possible in the Côtes de Bordeaux, and it will surely continue to improve with age.