Chateau Rahoul Blanc 2016
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James
Suckling -
Wine
Enthusiast
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Renowned for Semillon cultivated on gravel, aromas of white peach and pear and a hint of smoke define this Rahoul 2016. Cultivated on clay over a limestone subsoil in certain parcels on the estate, appealing Sauvignon blanc lends lingering aromas offering mineral character, freshness and length. This is a successful blend, largely due to rigorously monitored harvesting dates, which lend round, fresh character and length to this superb white wine terroir.
Blend: 78% Sémillon, 22% Sauvignon Blanc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is very exotic and rich with lots of sliced-mango, apple, peach, and banana character. Full-bodied, layered and delicious. One of the best in years. A blend of 78 per cent semillon and 22 per cent sauvignon blanc.
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine has delicious citrus and ripe green-apple flavors, as well as a crisp, lightly mineral texture. It is already showing its refreshing, crisp side that will develop. Barrel Sample: 90–92
Other Vintages
2019-
Wine
Enthusiast
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James
Suckling - Decanter
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Jeb
Dunnuck
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James
Suckling - Decanter
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
James
Suckling
The history of Chateau Rahoul began in the second half of the 17th century, when Chevalier Guillaume Rahoul built this pretty chartreuse and gave it its name. In a fitting tribute, the label features the Chevalier’s coat of arms, which is still displayed today on the fireplace in the salon. After the French Revolution, the estate passed to the Balguerie family who were highly influential negociants and shipowners on the Place de Bordeaux, who extended and renovated the Chateau and developed the vineyard in order to sell the wines on the Place. A vine-growing estate since the 18th century, Chateau Rahoul would not be sold in bottle until the 1970s when the estate was acquired by David Robson, an Englishman with a passion for Bordeaux wines, who completely restructured the vineyard and proved his desire to create premium quality wines at Rahoul. In the early 80s, the remarkable quality of the wines was responsible for its ascent among the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux. Further to a spell of Australian and Danish ownership, Alain Thiénot acquired the estate in 1986. Dourthe Estates were entrusted with the management of the property in 2007.
Sometimes light and crisp, other times rich and creamy, Bordeaux White Blends typically consist of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Often, a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris is included for added intrigue. Popularized in Bordeaux, the blend is often mimicked throughout the New World. Somm Secret—Sauternes and Barsac are usually reserved for dessert, but they can be served before, during or after a meal. Try these sweet wines as an aperitif with jamón ibérico, oysters with a spicy mignonette or during dinner alongside hearty Alsatian sausage.
Famous for both its red and white wines, Graves is a large region, extending 30 miles southeast of the city of Bordeaux, along the left bank of the Garonne River. Red wine producing vineyards cover well over three times as much area as the whites. In the late 1980s, the French created the separate appellation of Pessac-Léognan within the northern confines of Graves. It includes all of its most famous properties, and the southern suburbs of the city Bordeaux itself. In French "graves" is a term used to indicate gravelly soils.