2016 Les Charmes-Godard Blanc
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Tasting notes
Made from 50% Sémillon and the rest Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, brought up in 10% new oak, the 2016 Château Les Charmes-Godard is a high-quality Bordeaux blanc readers should snatch up. Crushed lemons, crushed rocks, and hints of lime, as well as a beautiful minerality all, emerge from this medium-bodied, richer, textured, yet still racy, vibrant white. Drink it over the coming decade or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
This is layered and lightly tannic with lemon rind, mineral and Brazilian-lime character. Full-bodied, dense and flavorful. Beautiful finish that turns light and pretty. Try it. A blend of 50 per cent semillon, 25 per cent sauvignon gris and 25 per cent sauvignon blanc.
The Les Charmes-Godard 2016 Blanc is a blend of 50% Sémillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc matured 15% new oak. It has a light and slightly waxy bouquet with apple blossom and honeysuckle scents developing, though I would have liked more vigor here. The palate is well balanced with a fresh pear and white peach entry, a fine bead of acidity and a lovely saline tang on the finish. Though not a great vintage for dry white Bordeaux, Nicolas Thienpont and his team have definitely made one of the better examples here.
This is very dense and lively with stones, limestone and cement. Full-bodied, yet vivid and lively. Beautiful finish. This is always an under-the-radar Bordeaux and needs your attention. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
About the producer
Nicolas Thienpont purchased this estate in the Côte des Francs in 1988. Largely producing white wine, there is a high percentage of Semillon (60%) with 25% Sauvignon Gris and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in 500-litre oak and spending six months on lees, this is an impressive, textured white wine.