Château la Tour Blanche goes back to the 18th century. The estate was left to the French government in the early 20th century by Daniel Iffla on the proviso that a viticulture and enology school be established there. This school now enjoys a national and international reputation, and the wine château is managed the traditional way by professionals.

La Tour Blanche is in the heart of the Sauternes appellation with vines in, or bordering on, the communes of Barsac, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac, and Sauternes.

The estate has a unique microclimate created by the confluence of the Garonne and one of its tributaries, the Ciron. The meeting of these two rivers (the latter is significantly cooler) in the fall creates morning mists. Followed by fine weather in the afternoon, this promotes the spread of "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea) necessary to make Sauternes.

The vintage generally lasts from September to November and picking takes place in several waves in order to harvest only well-botrytized grapes.

Visitors to the estate will appreciate a very good explanation of how great Sauternes is made.

In great years, La Tour Blanche produces classic, rather rich and monumental Sauternes with an aging potential of several decades.

In the Bottle

There was a time when Château la Tour Blanche's track record was rather inconsistent. However, the current winemaking team has not only improved quality, but also made it much more reliable from year to year. The château's progress in recent years gives every reason to hope for continued progress.

The quality/price ratio is very good for such vintages as 2007, 2005, 2003, and 2001 La Tour Blanche.

-

La Tour Blanche, Les Charmilles de Tour Blanche (second wine), Les Jardins de Thinoy, Cru du Cinquet