Chateau Monbousquet Blanc 2005

This wine made from Sauvignon Blanc and Gris demonstrates Saint-Emilion's potential for great white winemaking. The key is in understanding the terroir to achieve the mineral expression fundamental to a complex white wine. The wine's golden-yellow color is brilliant and limpid. Aromatic intensity is expressed through fresh citrus peel, lime, lemon, and passion fruit—a remarkable complexity that is in constant evolution as the wine continues to breathe. The wine's attack is fresh and full, with richness balanced by an acidity of fine structure and quality. The mid-palate is smooth, showing great volume. Although oak is present, it has become well-incorporated by reducing the excessive barrel aging of previous vintages. This change from the formerly massive style is most welcome. This is a lively wine showing fine mineral character and a good, long finish that is mouthwatering and flavorful—it is the type of wine which makes you want another glass. The 2005 vintage is well-known for its red wines, but the whites offer immense pleasure, too. The wine shines with a meal of Brittany shrimp, roast crayfish, lobster salad, or filet of bass with oysters. Another good choice would be roast poultry with winter mushrooms. And don't forget the goat cheese.