2016 Clarendelle Blanc

The 2016 Clarendelle Blanc is a tasty white to drink now and over the next year or two, while the citrus and floral notes remain fresh. A dollop (10 percent) of Muscadelle adds midpalate weight and a lovely exotic flair. Best of all, the 2016 should be a terrific value.

The debut 2016 Clarendelle Blanc is a blend of 47% Sémillon, 42% Sauvignon Blanc and 11% Muscadelle and had already been bottled when I tasted it in March 2017. It has a straightforward Granny Smith and fresh pear scented bouquet. The palate is well balanced with crisp citrus fruit on the entry, fresh with green apple and a touch of peach skin, leading to a pleasant, sour lemon finish. Drink over the next three or four years.