Chateau Couhins-Lurton Blanc 2014

Professional Ratings

• 93 James Suckling
  Green-apple and lemon aromas follow through to a full body. Lots of exotic fruit and vanilla character. Bright finish. Deliciously rich for the vintage.
• 92 Decanter
  From a zippy blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sauvignon Gris. Expect technical, precision winemaking from this property, which in 2014 included skin maceration to naturally lower the acidity. Consultant here is Valérie Lavigne, who works alongside Denis Dubourdieu at the ISVV and is a specialist in white wines - so great care is taken to work on the aromatics of the grapes, from a cold soak at 5°C to ensure aromas are extracted without bitterness, and restrained use of 20% new oak, that is used alongside 60% stainless steel and 20% large wooden vats - all to avoid damaging the citrus, cut grass and stone fruit aromas of the Sauvignon. Certainly there is great potential on display here with fresh acidity but clean fruit definition and an attractive mid-palate weight. As with the reds, great potential at this property.
• 92 Wine Enthusiast
  Tangy and zesty, this is a crisp wine. It has tight acidity and a strongly citrus character. There are bright gooseberry and herbal flavors that show strongly. The downside is it is one-dimensional: all herbal fruit and crisp acidity. Drink from 2020.
• 91 Wine Spectator
  Sel gris and lime zest notes give this zip and energy, while tarragon and chive elements add to the background. Not big, but offers a chiseled feel. Score range: 88-91
• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2014 Couhins-Lurton Blanc has a similar bouquet to the one I encountered out of barrel, with plenty of citrus fruit mixed with yellow flowers. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry: citrus lemon mixed with orange rind and a touch of peach. I love the balance of this white Pessac-Léognan and the energy on the effervescent finish. It punches above my expectation and comes recommended.