Chateau La Tour Blanche 2004 [Half]

Chateau La Tour Blanche 2004 [Half] is one of the defining sweet wines of the Bordeaux region and demonstrates how a traditional estate can stylishly capture the refinement of Sauternes in a half-bottle. The 2004 vintage is characterized by ripe botrytis and a fine balance of sweetness and acidity, resulting in a harmonious blend of fruit, blossom honey, and mineral freshness. The château's location and the estate's artisanal approach ensure structure and longevity, even in a half-bottle, which often serves as the first step towards extended aging.

Tasting note: The nose is enticing with dried apricots, acacia honey, citrus notes, and a hint of almond. On the palate, the wine displays a creamy texture, accompanied by refreshing acidity and an intense, multi-layered sweetness. Notes of honey, orange, and candied fruit intertwine to create a long, elegant finish. Critics such as Falstaff, Parker, Jancis Robinson, Jeff Leve, and Wine Spectator praise its fine balance, aging potential, and artistic harmony between sweetness and structure.

Optimal drinking window: The wine already displays appealing complexity, with development potential for several more years; an estimated timeframe is roughly between 2025 and 2035. Food pairing recommendation: Ideal with foie gras or aged blue cheese, equally harmonious with a dessert tart with dried fruit and nuts.