In the glass
Aroma: lime pith, melon, honeyed citrus, white flowers, gentle lanolin
Palate: elegant, textured, lime pith, melon skin, rounded, long for the price
Single-plot Semillon from 75-year-old vines in a three-hectare block; the house premium white. Dry and elegant with the waxy, textured Semillon character that recalls white Pessac-Leognan at a fraction of the price. Anne Krebiehl MW-praised.
What it pairs with
-
Roasted scallops with cauliflower cream
Semillon texture and melon fruit match the sweet, caramelised crust of roasted scallops; cauliflower cream echoes the lanolin note. -
Grilled lobster with drawn butter
Rich shellfish and butter demand a textured white; Semillon's body and lime acidity provide the ideal counterpoint. -
Chicken and leek pie with shortcrust pastry
The gentle oak and melon notes complement creamy chicken filling; Sauvignon Blanc freshness cuts the pastry richness.
How to serve Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Blanc
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roasted scallops with cauliflower cream, Grilled lobster with drawn butter, Chicken and leek pie with shortcrust pastry. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Les Trois Hectares Blanc was created to showcase the Quinney family's single plot of 75-year-old Semillon vines, a rarity in Entre-Deux-Mers. The Semillon-dominant blend produces a dry, elegant white with longevity that challenges the idea that Bordeaux Blanc needs to be Sauvignon-led.
- 2003 — First vintage of Les Trois Hectares Blanc from old-vine Semillon plot
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Bauduc
- Grapes
- Semillon (85%), Sauvignon Blanc (15%)
- Classification
- Bordeaux AOC
- Oak
- Partial barrel fermentation; aged on lees for additional texture
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €14-22 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-6 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2003
Scores
- Decanter 91 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2023)
Frequently asked about Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Blanc
What does Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Blanc taste like?
On the nose, lime pith, melon, honeyed citrus, white flowers, gentle lanolin. On the palate, elegant, textured, lime pith, melon skin, rounded. Structurally medium-bodied, medium acidity with a medium finish. Single-plot Semillon from 75-year-old vines in a three-hectare block; the house premium white. Dry and elegant with the waxy, textured Semillon character that recalls white Pessac-Leognan at a fraction of the price. Anne Krebiehl MW-praised.
When should I drink Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Blanc?
Drink 2-6 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Blanc?
Roasted scallops with cauliflower cream is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled lobster with drawn butter and Chicken and leek pie with shortcrust pastry. Semillon texture and melon fruit match the sweet, caramelised crust of roasted scallops; cauliflower cream echoes the lanolin note.
What grapes are in Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Blanc?
The blend is Semillon (85%), Sauvignon Blanc (15%). The wine is classified as Bordeaux AOC.