Le Blanc de Duhart-Milon
The vintage
2022 will be remembered as a year of unprecedented conditions : heat, drought and stress for the vines. Our meticulously selected clay-limestone soils, chosen over more than 2 years, were able to provide a regular water supply to our vines, even in the midst of three heatwaves and despite the persistent drought. Fortunately, small storms in mid-August allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Depending on the clones, this year the Sémillon will be harvested in two passes, aiming to capture both freshness and richness. After 2020, another warm and dry vintage, 2022 reaffirms our choice of terroir for Duhart's white wines.
Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km north of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originating from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptional climate and geological conditions for the production of outstanding wines.
Terroir
Le Blanc de Duhart-Milon comes from plots located on the easternmost part of the estate, on the Anseillan side and in an area where Lafite and Duhart both have neighbouring plots producing red wine. A rigorous selection of Sauvignon and Semillon clones has allowed us to match our grape varieties to our terroirs.
Winemaking
The grapes are picked in small crates and meticulously sorted. It is cold-pressed and then vinified in French oak barrels. These barrels are carefully made by our Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac and benefit from the know-how acquired for Château Rieussec. The proportion of new wood is adapted each year but never represents more than 60% of the barrels. Our wines are then matured in these same barrels on the lees for about 8 months. This time gives to Le Blanc de Duhart its ageing potential without losing its freshness.
Tasting
The robe is bright, pale green in colour with golden hues. The initial nose surprises with the intensity of the aromatic bouquet : abricot, passion fruit and also blackcurrant and a touch of arlequin candy mingle with slightly buttery woody notes. Ever lively, the attack quickly leads to a structured wine. Powerful and almost creamy in smoothness, it leaves a final impression of fine grain reminiscent of fresh pear and the bouquet from the nose.
Alcohol content
13.17
Grapes
Sémillon
: 79 %
Sauvignon blanc
: 20 %
Sauvignon gris
: 1 %