Country: France  Region: Bordeaux  Varietal: Sweet Vintage: 2016  Category: Sweet White  Colour: WhiteProducer: Château Laville "Château Laville is owned by Jean-Christophe Barbe and his family. Jean-Christophe's particular area of expertise as an enology professor at the University of Bordeaux is 'noble rot' which, as a producer of Sauternes, he has had plenty of opportunity to study at first hand.The vineyards for Château Laville are on gravel soils underpinned with limestone. The best plots are used to make the Grand Vin. Several passes are needed (three to six) to ensure that only the most botrytised berries are selected. The wine is a blend of 85% Semillion, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle. It is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks before being aged in oak (50% new) for 18 months to give it just enough complexity, while retaining freshness and the distinctive botrytis character.A frequent recipient of awards, including several golds and a DWWA Trophy, Laville Sauternes is one of our best kept secrets." Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Jean-Christophe Barbe Vineyards: Chateau Laville has 14 hectares of vineyard in Sauternes, in the commune of Preignac, on gravel soils underpinned with limestone. The best plots are used to make the Grand Vin of Laville. The vines are approximately 35 years old. As with Delmond, Jean-Christophe passes through the vineyard five times to ensure that only the most botrytis-ravaged, or nobly rotten, grapes are selected. Vinification: The grapes were pressed using pneumatic and vertical hydraulic presses. Fermentation took place at 20-22°C, in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine was subsequently aged in new 400 litre French oak casks for 30 months. Tasting Notes: A bright, golden wine that opens with intense aromas of candied fruits, honey and spice. Rich and unctuous on the palate, it retains lovely delicacy and is perfectly balanced. The fresh, long finish has a lively citrus twist to round it off.  Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 13.5%  Classification: AOC Acidity [g/l]: 5.8