Bordeaux 2016 – sweet whites

The 2016 vintage won't go down in history as a legend in the pantheon of sweet white bordeaux years, although winemaking proficiency continues to increase. This, incidentally, was the first year that chaptalisation was outlawed for all Sauternes and Barsac. 

The wines are in the fresh, zesty mould (aperitif Sauternes?). They are not massively sweet (about 100-155 g/l), not massively alcoholic (between 13 and 14%) but are pure and refreshing. Sauternes enthusiast Bill Blatch suggests they are a bit like a cross between 2014 and 2015 – 'definitely not a...