Chateau Sainte Marie Entre Deux Mers 2023 (6-bottle discount)

Bordeaux may not be the first place that comes to mind for cutting edge whites, but Château Sainte-Marie under the guidance of Stéphane Dupuch is making a range of impressive and affordable wines that are quietly gaining the recognition they deserve. His vineyard work is impressive, farming organically since 1997 and spends a great deal of time convincing his Entre-Deux-Mers neighbors to adopt some of the same methods. Over the past few years, Bordeaux has approved a number of new grape varieties to experiment with in the face of climate change. This suits Stéphane just fine, as he has been illegally growing alternatives for decades. Now he can legally exploit the full spectrum of approved varieties to help with complexity in the wines and biodiversity in his vineyards. 

Stéphane incorporates all three permitted white grapes – Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle – into this stunning value white that’s bone-dry but highly drinkable, bearing the classic Sauvignon Blanc notes of citrus, zesty grapefruit and elderflower, while Semillon adds richness and subtle stone fruits.

“With the harvest between 29 August to 14 September, this estate bid for ripeness and won! A lovely, very juicy, wine with plenty of mid-palate sap combining notions of peach, pink grapefruit and spring flower. One of the most enjoyable whites in its class to buy and to drink from 2023, and it will not dent your wallet. Try with pasta in a cream sauce with mushrooms.” – 92 points, Decanter