2008 Château Monbousquet Blanc

(66% sauvignon blanc and 34% sauvignon gris; 38 hl/ha; 14% alcohol, 60% new oak) Straw-gold. Very fresh aromas of gooseberry, guava and ripe peach. More ripe apricot and peach flavors on the palate, complicated by hints of chamomile, lemon peel and candied ginger. Finishes fresh, long and light on its feet. Proprietor Gerard Perse has always hoped to show that it's possible to make an outstanding wine in Saint-Emilion, and this wine helps to make his case.

Author: Ian D'Agata

Issue: May/June 2009

Highly aromatic thanks to the two thirds Sauvignon but quite full in the mouth. Maybe a little heavy but hard to taste after the Pavie. Pretty powerful. And long. Creamy and full in the mouth with a fine citrus streak. (JH)

Author: Julia Harding MW