Attractive, subtle smoky notes blend beautifully with the broad, honeyed character of this complex white Bordeaux. Aromas of beer nuts, tropical fruit and caramelized grapefruit emerge from this impressive, medium to full-bodied wine. It should drink well for a decade.

Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting. The 2012 Haut-Bergey Blanc has a reserved nose at first, hints of peach skin and crème caramel giving way to fresher, citrus lemon and white flower scents. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity. There is just a dab of spice here, a tingle of white pepper on the tongue, though I would have preferred to see more length on the finish. That may develop in bottle, hence the plus sign against my score. Tasted January 2016.