The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing and the flowers are in full bloom. And while the rest of the world imbibes copious amounts of Rosé, we mustn’t forget about the white wines that are just starting to come into their own. In particular, I’d like to direct your attention to the mighty white Bordeaux. Though less common on restaurant wine lists, really good (and often, affordable!) white Bordeaux indeed exists and can be found in the best local wine stores—and the 2014s are just beginning to strut their stuff. As a big fan of these sophisticated white blends, I decided to consult our wine expert, Neal Martin, for his input—he certainly knows more than a thing or two about the region and its glorious wines!

“I enjoy them as an alternative to white Burgundy, Loire or Alsace,” says Martin. “I guess because Bordeaux is synonymous with red wines, they will always be seen as peripheral, even though up until the Second World War the region produced more white wine than red. You can segment them into two types. You have the famous Chateaux in Pessac-Léognan and Graves who make white wines, Domaine de Chevalier, Haut-Brion and so forth, and then this other category of much cheaper dry white Bordeaux, particularly from Entre-Deux-Mers. Much is sold for bargain prices compared to other French wine regions.”

So, what to choose? “It depends on what you’re seeking,” Martin continues. “If you are looking for value over tons of freshness, choose a blend with more Sauvignon Blanc. But great dry white Bordeaux is usually the marriage of Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon. It's the latter that can take it to another level. The best can age beautifully. I still remember the 1985 Haut-Brion Blanc from a couple of years ago—amazing.” 

Lucky for us, Martin has reviewed some stunning white Bordeaux in some of our recent Issues, and the 2014s reviewed in the Interim End of March Issue are on the market and ready to be enjoyed! Pick up these 10 bottles—surely fitting for any spring or summertime function—all rated 90 points and higher. These wines all come in with a less than $60 price tag, though we wouldn't stop you if you can splurge on an Haut-Brion Blanc!

And if you simply can't get enough Bordeaux, don't miss Martin’s recent Bordeaux 2016 En Primeur report.