Château Respide-Médeville blanc 2014

A magnificent nose, very crisp and smoky, with aromas of pine needles, white fruit, acacia, and menthol; great minerality; generous, full-bodied, very aromatic, and lively on the palate. Refined and pure.

This estate belongs to the Médeville family, well known for its famous Sauternes, Château Gilette. The estate produces a fine red Graves wine, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, from 8 hectares, and a very elegant white Graves wine—of recognized and consistent quality—from half that area.

The château, owned by the Médeville family since the 1980s (which also owns the Gilette and Les Justices châteaux in Sauternes, the Château des Eyrins in Margaux, and the Gonet-Médeville champagnes), is located in Preignac, in the southern Graves region, very close to Langon and the Sauternes region, and is exceptionally well maintained. Thanks to a balanced blend of grape varieties, the red wines express the complementary qualities of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (which makes up a slight majority), while the white wines feature Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, along with a small percentage of Muscadelle (up to 5% in the blend, depending on the vintage). The white wine reveals the true style of the southern Graves region: unpretentious, with notes of citrus zest and a light, unburdensome palate, following a short three-month aging period in oak barrels. The reds have improved significantly thanks to winemaking consultant Olivier Dauga. Julie and Xavier Gonet skillfully manage this estate, which maintains an excellent standard and consistent quality in its production.