The Caillou Blanc 2022 represents a distinctive facet of Château Talbot's esteemed portfolio, offering a rare white wine expression from this Fourth Growth estate, predominantly known for its Saint-Julien reds. Sourced from specific parcels within the estate, the vineyard benefits from the classic Günzian gravels of the Médoc, providing excellent drainage and minerality crucial for the cultivation of white varietals.
Composed primarily of Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by a judicious proportion of Sémillon, this wine undergoes a meticulous vinification process. Fermentation and subsequent ageing occur in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to impart texture and complexity. This careful oak regime, alongside the inherent freshness of the 2022 vintage, yields a white Bordeaux of remarkable precision, aromatic depth, and structural integrity, designed for both immediate enjoyment and graceful evolution in bottle.
Tasting notes
The 2022 Caillou Blanc presents a luminous pale gold hue. On the nose, it offers an intricate bouquet of white peach, grapefruit zest, and lime blossom, underpinned by a distinct minerality and subtle nuances of toasted almond and vanilla bean from its oak maturation. The palate is vibrant and impeccably balanced, showcasing a taut acidity that carries flavours of crisp green apple, passionfruit, and a saline edge. A creamy texture, derived from lees contact, provides depth and breadth, leading to a long, precise finish marked by persistent citrus and a refined phenolic grip.