2023 Chateau Grand Village Blanc

Given they are under the same ownership of the Guinaudau family, Chateau Grand Village is often referred to as Chateau Lafleur’s second vineyard. The estate has been owned by the Guinaudau’s relatives for hundreds of years, however it was not until the year 2000 that they began to produce wine themselves from the property. Situated on the edge of the Fronsac region and classified as Bordeaux Superieur, the vineyard is planted to 79% Merlot and 21% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc). The terroir is similar to Saint Emilion with its mix of calcisol going down a foot or so to a bedrock mostly made up of asteria limestone. At Grand Village, they practice many of the same techniques employed at Lafleur, including pruning and de-budding adapted to each vine plant, crop thinning in summer and de-leafing. The grapes are picked by hand, followed by very careful sorting and selection. Grand Village also produces a white wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Semillon (15%), from a 5 acre plot.

Other Reviews....
Compared to the 2022, the 2023 Grand Village Blanc is more fruity and dense, evoking aromas of lemon oil, verbena, kumquat and confit citrus. Broad but tensile, it’s medium-bodied with a fleshy core of fruit and a delicately phenolic frame that segues into a chalky, saline and bright finish. This blend of 80% Sauvignon and 20% Sémillon is simply stunning. Drink 2025-2040.
91-93 points
Yohan Castaing - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Grand Village Blanc is positively stellar. Lemon peel, white flowers, chalk, mint and white pepper are all finely sculpted in this nervy, bracing white. I would give this a year or two in bottle. I especially admire its energy and tension. Drink 2025-2035.
93 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Chalky eggshells with limey citrus, stone fruit and minerals. Superbright and precise, with medium body and a zesty, salty, bone-dry and pithy finish. Beautiful and gastronomic. One of the best ever? A blend of 80% sauvignon blanc and 20% semillon. Irresistible now but will hold well.
95 points
Zekun Shuai - JamesSuckling.com

A classic Sauvignon nose of ripe citrus and hints of grapefruit with minty flowers, subtle lychee, and crushed stone emerges from the 2023 Château Grand Village Blanc, a blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. It's medium-bodied, bright, fresh, and focused, with a gorgeous minerality. It's clean, balanced, has remarkable purity, and a great finish. Drink 2026-2038.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Green apple and elderflower notes on the nose. Bright and zippy, instantly mouthwatering with super high acidity but also creamy lemon and peach aspects that temper the acidity and give more of a round mouthfeel despite the energy. Zingy, intense, but layered and complex yet at the same time so easy to drink! Lovely and clean with a very precise, almost mineral finish. Drink 2025-2030.
92 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter