2014 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc (Pessac)

The 2014 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc does not quite possess the same clinical delineation of some of the best dry whites in the flight. But it seems to address that with aeration and offers some lovely lemon rind, grapefruit and chalk scents. The palate is well balanced, underpinned by a fine line of acidity, quite brisk and taut with a persistent finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 93 points

The high percentage of Semillon is very apparent on the nose and palate of this remarkable dry white: herbal, toasty, waxy weight is underpinned by tangy acidity, fine vanilla spice and a taut, focused, mineral core. Long, stylish and pure. The only drawback is the quantity: 560 cases. 97 points