Bordeaux, but white though...

The first thing I hear from many wine pundits when asking for their next prediction as to what will be the next big release, is that 2005 Bordeaux will be simply stunning. With that in mind, I was curious to try some. When people think Bordeaux, they usually think expensive reds that are one of the benchmarks of quality, Old World style dry wines. While this can be true, Bordeaux also has a rather under appreciated white offering.

Whites from Bordeaux are generally majority Sauvignon Blanc blended with Semillon, but sometimes the amounts are equal or blended with small amounts of other grapes. The bottle we just tasted came highly recommended despite being a general Bordeaux wine (and not a superior, or classified growth).

Price (Paid in Ithaca NY): $7.50 (though it was on sale from $9)
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Maker: Chateau Cadillac
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Vintage: 2005
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Country/Appelation: France/Bordeaux.
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Varietal/Blend: 50% Sauvingon Blanc/ 50% Semillon
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Special Designations: Estate Bottled
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Nose: Coming through on the smell lilies and pineapple, with a hint of limey citrus come through in very pleasant fashion.
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Taste: Once it warmed some (the prescribed 50 degrees was much too cold) a grassiness came through, followed by mango, before both fading and leaving a light floral/oaky note on the very smooth finish. Wonderfully balenced, certainly not flawed at all, but simplistic and a touch too reserved to be special.
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QPR: Excellent QPR, you really can't beat it for under $8
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Good Pairings: Cheese and buttery seafood would compliment this wine best, as it doesn't have the strong acidity or fruit to stand up to lemony flavors or strong dishes.
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Final Thoughts: Honestly, this might be the best effort I've ever tasted for under $10. It is very well ballenced, which most under $10 whites are not, so right there this is a bargain without going further. It does continue, however, and give nice floral and light flavors that are also in balance and not dull to make a very solid wine. I would buy this regularly even if it was twice the price. Period. I guess the pundits might be right about 2005 Bordeaux. Perhaps I'll try another one soon...