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.
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)