The 2015 Les Hauts de Lagarde is a Sauvignon - Semillon (60/40) blend from Bordeaux, France. We (Jimm and Tasho) splashed this down in a decanter and vigorously agitated the wine with immediate results in aromas of beeswax, lemon zest, wet white chalk, lanolin, faint white pepper, and unripe yellow plums.

At 9 minutes, the palate is offering delicious gooseberry flavors, and aromas of elderflowers are beginning to emerge. At 12 - 15 minutes, the wine is truly starting to open, and the palate is becoming really juicy while maintaining a waxy creaminess at the same time. The acidity of Sauvignon Blanc provides the perfect amount of energy to deliver the juicy honeyed citricity in waves through the plush, creamy waxiness featuring beeswax and chalky minerality. The wines prescribed 60/40 composition must be a rough generalization as the winemaker clearly was not constrained in achieving a perfect balance in the wine.

The energy and length of the wine are remarkable featuring a solid 45+ second finish that persists even longer if you count the refreshing mineral-water-like aspect that lingers.

I see this wine as extremely versatile. Porch lovers will no doubt love this wine for its refreshing aspects such as the juicy lemons and crisp minerality. The acidity makes this a great food wine, even for rich dishes. Then, although the wine is incredibly refreshing, there's a creamy waxiness yielding a body that makes this a great cold weather wine as well.

This wine is very worthy of being placed at #20 on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Best Buys. However, I feel the wine possesses a complexity and balance that exceeds Wine Enthusiast's 90 point rating. I personally scored this wine at 92 points.

Give this outstanding $16 white Bordeaux a try and lets us know what you think @KatsWine. This wine is a Tasting Team Wine so we'll message you back with 15% Off your next Tasting Team Wine when you do!

- Tasho Katsaboulas