Chateau Couhins-Lurton Blanc 2009

Pale green in color and it is already showing some of its mettle. With an intense, complex nose of tropical fruits, pineapple, and mango mingling with lemon. With agitation comes haunting vanilla and light toasty notes. The palate is rich and full, mouthwateringly fruity and floral, with delicate, melting oak already perfectly blended in. The finish shows the terroir's signature flinty character—a sign of a promising future.

100% Sauvignon Blanc. Following a dramatic and sometimes troubled history spanning four centuries, the owners of Chateau Couhins had planned in 1967 to change its course forever by destroying its vines. Learning of their intentions, a young Andre Lurton offered to lease the vineyard and continue making the wines. He acquired a small part of the vineyard in 1972 and eventually purchased the entire chateau in 1992. And in 1998, he undertook the total reconstruction and renovation of the cellars and the chateau.