2009 Chateau Couhins-Lurton

Bordeaux has always been known for producing some of the best red wines in the world. They also produce some of the most expensive white wines ever existed, ie. Chateau d’Yquem.  It is possible for people to neglect the quality dry white wines they produce.

In the Crus Classes de Graves in 1959, Sixteen Chateaux are classified as Grand Crus of the Graves AOC. Of the sixteen Chateaux, nine Chateaux are classified for their dry white wines.  These nine are listed in alphabetical order:

Chateau Bouscaut (7 hectare: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon)

Chateau Carbonnieux (42 hectare: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon)

Chateau Couhins (7 hectare: 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Semillon)

Chateau Couhins-Lurton (6 hectare: 100% Sauvignon Blanc)

Chateau Latour-Martillac (9 hectare: 47% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon, 
        3% Muscadelle)

Chateau Laville Haut-Brion (now as Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion) 
       (2.55 hectare: 14%   Sauvignon Blanc, 85% Semillon, 1% Muscadelle)

Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere (7 hectare: 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon)

Chateau Olivier (10 hectare: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle)

Domain de Chevalier (5 hectare: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon)

Although these nine are the Grand Cru, it there are still other chateaux in the Pessac-Leognan, graves, and Entre-Deux-Mers regions that makes wonderful dry white wines.This Chateau Couhins-Lurton since 2003 has been produced with a screw cap, which prove the theory that wine doesn’t have to be corked to be a good wine. Of all the Crus class chateaux this is the only one made of solely sauvignon blanc instead of a Bordeaux Style Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Blend.

From the nose, it gives out lemon, grapefruit , oak and some mint. It is full bodied very fruitful with refreshing acidity with flavors of grapefruit, lemon zest, some pineapple. The finish has some flint and is about 9 seconds long.

DWA rating: 9/10……..Amazing. Great wine even for its price. ($50)