The vintage
The 2024 vintage began with record rainfall: 1300 mm fell between winter and late spring. While this was excellent for replenishing groundwater reserves, it also brought, for the fifth time in seven years, an exceptionally high mildew pressure. Fortunately, July and August were dry and perfectly tempered, allowing the vines to recover gracefully and reach a very favourable level of stress. By mid-August, the vineyard was clearly on track for another promising vintage. Hopes were once again renewed! Benefiting from the water reserves of its clay soils and an ideal summer, the white vineyard of Duhart-Milon looked magnificent on the eve of harvest. It was here—well before we sensed it in the reds—that we first perceived the beautiful aromatic intensity of the 2024 grapes. But this was no year to rush. After a tentative trial on September 2, we decided to wait until September 9 to pick the first Sauvignon Blancs. With ripening still uneven, we carefully selected by grape variety, soil, vine age, and even clone. In the end, it took six successive passes to harvest our 3 hectares of Blanc de Duhart-Milon.
Varietals
Sémillon : 62%
Sauvignon blanc : 35%
Sauvignon gris : 3%
Sauvignon blanc : 35%
Sauvignon gris : 3%
Tasting
The colour is pale and brilliant, with a lovely green hue and golden highlights.
The nose exudes white flowers and acacia, verbena, or linden, giving pride of place to notes of white peach. Toasted hazelnut, apricot and fresh brioche elegantly lift the bouquet.
On the palate, the attack is vibrant yet never excessive, unfolding immediately with generous sweetness and leading to a savoury finish. It’s a balance rarely found in Bordeaux, surprisingly reminiscent of Champagne.
The finish is long, with retro-olfactory notes more exotic than on the nose, and a subtle muscat-like touch.
The nose exudes white flowers and acacia, verbena, or linden, giving pride of place to notes of white peach. Toasted hazelnut, apricot and fresh brioche elegantly lift the bouquet.
On the palate, the attack is vibrant yet never excessive, unfolding immediately with generous sweetness and leading to a savoury finish. It’s a balance rarely found in Bordeaux, surprisingly reminiscent of Champagne.
The finish is long, with retro-olfactory notes more exotic than on the nose, and a subtle muscat-like touch.