Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2016

The refined, yellow grapefruit nose and the elegant first impression on the palate hardly prepare you for the tidal wave of flavor and freshness that then hits you. Yet, the wine remains so light-footed and delicate. Then you glide into the distance through the very long, silky finish. Drink or hold.

Pow! The 100% Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Le Petit Cheval Blanc explodes from the glass, delivering a tantalizing perfume of ripe peaches, mango and fresh pineapple with hints of lime blossoms, lemongrass, fresh ginger and spearmint plus a waft of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with tropical and stone fruit flavors complemented by a compelling textural component and a racy line of acid, finishing very long and very delicious. Drink 2019-2030.

Pale lemon-straw in colour. This has a very mineral, cool and steely nose with lemon pith, zingy mandarin and a hint of freshly cut grass. It is subtle but very enticing. The palate is zesty and linear at the moment, driven by acidity but built with some added weight of texture. The cool petrichor-like minerality washes through the palate with waves of citrus peel and green fruit, bolstered by just a hint of something riper. Precise and harmonious with good potential.

This was the group's highest scoring white wine when tasted blind at the 2016 Southwold tasting - a strong start for this relatively new cuvée!

While the red deservedly gets all the attention from this estate, they make a thrilling white as well. The 2016 Le Petit Cheval Blanc is all Sauvignon Blanc brought up in barrel. It boasts a vivid light gold color to go with notes of key lime pie, crushed citrus, and white peach that build beautifully with time in the glass. It’s balanced, medium-bodied, and pure.