2009 Liot

85% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. Vines are 45 years old, planted on red clay over limestone at 6,500 vines/ha. The grapes were hand-picked with severe selection made in the vineyard and only two separate tries required as the grapes had such great levels of botrytis in this exceptional vintage. Yield was just 23 hl/ha. Must was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, then aged for 16 months in 225l oak barrels of which 20% were new oak. Winemakers Edouard Massie and Henri Boyer. TA 4.17 g/l, pH 3.83, RS 148 g/l. Lively, thick and flattering. Such fun !! (JR)

85% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Muscadelle. Vines are 40 years old, planted on red clay over limestone at 6,500 vines/ha. The grapes were hand-picked with severe selection made in the vineyard and only two separate tries required as the grapes had such great levels of botrytis in this exceptional vintage. Yield was just 23 hl/ha. Must was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, then aged for 16 months in 225-litre oak barrels of which 20% were new oak. Winemakers Edouard Massie and Henri Boyer. Suitable for vegetarians. TA 4.17 g/l, pH 3.83, RS 148 g/l. Round and correct and with real freshness and just a bit of bitterness – lemon peel – on the end. Lovely stuff. GV (JR)

The Liot 2009 is comparatively simple on the nose, but the palate is well balanced with vibrant honeyed fruit, inflected with touches of orange zest, white peach and nectarine. A little sharp on the finish, but fresh and enticing in its own unassuming way. Apr 2010, www.robertparker.com