Description
Still at the price before duty went up on 1 August.
The back label: "Les Trois Hectares is a single vineyard of old Sémillon vines that were planted in 1947, along with around 10% of Sauvignon Blanc and other old varieties in the field blend from the same block. A dry white that works well with good food or simply on its own." 12.5% vol
2022 was an excellent year for our old Sémillon vines, which coped well with the drought and summer warmth thanks to their well-established roots. It's by far the richest vintage so far for Les Trois Hectares blanc, and our favourite to date. It's plump and comforting yet the peachy, stone fruit character is balanced by a lime and citrus core running through it for a throughly satisfying glass of wine. It probably won't suit those, however, who prefer lightweight or weaker dry whites.
There was a slight change with 2022, due to the drier summer and earlier harvest. We cool-fermented most of the juice in two, chilled stainless steel vats but splashed out on several new French oak barrels for fermenting a small but significant slice of the wine. The finished blend doesn't taste oaky at all, partly because the unctuous juice embraced the finely-grained French oak, and the result is a lovely texture and minerality to the wine. Most of Bordeaux's top dry whites are barrel-fermented and, if you can't beat 'em, it's good to get within touching distance.
Volume discounts off total order
| Bottles | 24 | 36 | 48 | 72 | 120+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discount | 2% | 3% | 6% | 8% | 10% |
These are applied automatically.
Take a look at the expert opinion below, and the photos.
- Expert opinion
- Pics at the Chateau
Previous Vintages:
Château Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Semillon Vieilles Vignes 2019
'A blend of 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, reflecting the mix of interplanted varieties in the vineyard, all vinified in stainless steel to keep the focus on the fruit, and then bottled under Stelvin screwcap. In the glass it has a relaxed straw-coloured hue, but it is on the nose that things really get going, with a striking freshness and energy despite the evident richness, the aromatic profile filled with the scents of pithy orange zest and chalk, which to me feels very true to the youthful Semillon. Later on, though, the generosity of this ripe vintage is revealed, as the nose progresses through notes of fruit salad, grilled pear and quince.
'While still expressive, the palate is more correct and reserved, the sweet citrus fruits here wrapped up in chalky minerals, its gentle acidity reflecting the warmth of the season, but a rich phenolic grip proving some frame. It is wonderfully expressive Semillon for its age, and one which will drink well for several years. The message is clear; dry white Bordeaux isn’t all about Sauvignon Blanc. (From my Weekend Wine write-up, November 2020) 92/100'
Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.comChâteau Bauduc Les Trois Hectares Semillon Vieilles Vignes (Bordeaux) 2018
This cuvée, mostly Semillon but in truth 20% Sauvignon Blanc (the varieties are interplanted), presents a honeyed straw hue in the glass. It is delightfully aromatic, with orange blossom, apricot and a wealth of sandy minerals, a characterful nose which precedes a palate of delicious substance and breadth. Here it revels in a velvety texture, rich and filled with pithy phenolic grip, a wine which maintains a great presence through to the finish where it culminates in a polished finesse. Delicious, slightly crystalline, but rich and full of charm, it has some length to speak of too. Well done. Bottled under Stelvin screwcap. 93/100
'An exemplary white wine at this Créon estate, and clearly the … recognise its success as their production is 56 per cent white to 44 red – a bias to white surprisingly rare in Bordeaux…
… These are excellent-quality wine - reds as well as whites - consistent and easy to enjoy. One to follow.'
'Inexpensive white Bordeaux that over-delivers handsomely for the price.'
Richard Hemming on JancisRobinson.com.“Broad, just as Sémillon should be – textural and waxy – not very grassy, but there are a few bits of herb in there. Then quite a dense, viscous finish. This shares a lot of the qualities of young Hunter Valley Smillon – I wonder if it would develop those same toasty aromas? 12%. 16.5/20”
“An absolute steal. Oz Clarke is a fan and it’s served in Rick Stein’s restaurant too. This is one of the best white wines I’ve had this year.”
Richard Saxton, Stylist magazine“The blend here is Semillon 80% and Sauvignon Blanc 20%, mirroring the mix in the vineyard. There are some slightly herby, musky elements here from the Sauvignon Blanc, but this is otherwise very different to the straight Sauvignon, showing more firm and crunchy fruit. The most apparent characteristic on the palate… is the delicious acid backbone, which gives the palate a vigorous lift. There are notes of white peach, and underneath some early suggestions of more honeyed, toasty elements. Lovely substance here. Great wine. 16.5/20”
Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com
