La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc 2017 Pessac-Léognan (75cl)

The second white wine of the Haut-Brion estates, made in Pessac-Léognan from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. That combination usually gives the cut and citrus of Sauvignon with a rounder, waxier weight from Sémillon, so it drinks like a white wine with some structure rather than a simple refresher. It suits a proper dinner with fish, crab or roast chicken, and works as an easy gift for someone who already knows Bordeaux. With eight years behind it, the 2017 is drinking in a fairly settled place rather than a young, tight one. White Bordeaux of this type typically shows grapefruit and white peach with a subtle toasty note from barrel ageing, and a dry, textured finish. Serve around 10-12°C so the weight of the wine still comes through.