2021 Les Champs Libres, Guinaudeau

Deep and layered, the 2021 Les Champs Libres is almost shockingly rich. It offers a beguiling mix of Sauvignon character with notable structure. Intensely floral and mineral nuances come alive with a bit of time. The 2021 is the first vintage made in the new cellar, which is also colder and therefore likely to result in longer élevage for the wines to fully come together. This is a fabulous white from the Guinadeau family.

The 2021 Les Champs Libres comes from the two Sauvignon clones (Bordeaux and those propagated from Sancerre clones), and it was picked on 9 and 11 September. Matured in 70% new oak (Burgundy 228-litre Taransaud barrels) had strong yeasty aromas that is due to the aforementioned lower temperatures in the cellar retarding its evolution. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, more developed with orange zest and apricot, a touch of ginger towards the very focused and persistent finish. Baptiste Guinaudeau suggested that this vintage will undergo a longer élevage than usual, and as such, I would also recommend affording it some bottle age, as it is likely to evolve equally slowly.

Tasted blind. Opulent, hedonistic nose. Then attractively tight and fresh on the palate. Racy and refreshing. (JR)