Mary Taylor Bordeaux Blanc by Jean Marc Barthez

White Bordeaux might sound like an oxymoron to some wine drinkers, but it’s actually one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets. Because red Bordeaux generally steals all the attention, the area’s uniquely compelling whites fly under the radar, making them some of the wine world’s greatest bargains. This particular bottle proves that point beautifully – this one from artisan winemaker Jean Marc Barthez will overturn everything you’ve come to expect from the usual lineup of “varietal” Sauvignon Blanc from Chile or New Zealand 2022.

What sets this wine apart is its sense of place and restraint. Sourced from vineyards that surround the winery and fermented without oak to preserve the underlying expression of its classic terroir, this is Sauvignon Blanc as channeled through the unique prism of Bordeaux. The tiny splash of Sémillon does what it does best – adds that mysterious “je ne sais quoi” that immediately conjures white Bordeaux. At just 11.5% alcohol, this wine proves that sometimes less really is more, delivering all the sophistication of Bordeaux without the weight that might make someone think twice about a second glass on a warm evening.