2004 Château Bouscaut Blanc, Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan
Château Bouscaut is one of a number of properties in the Pessac-Léognan region that is threatened by the creeping expansion of Bordeaux itself. Where once the property looked out over green fields and woodland, today it is main roads and industrial units that pepper the skyline. The property itself has been producing both red and white wine since the 17th century and was classified as grand cru for both colours in the 1959 Graves classification. Bouscaut is relatively unusual for a Bordeaux property in that its entire vineyard sits around the property in one single block. We tasted the 2004 as part of the UGC (Union des Grands Crus) tastings in Bordeaux in April. Bouscaut immediately impressed us for the volume of fruit and weight on the nose. Oak is often dominant at this early stage but the sweet grapefruit and tangy lime scents were clearly discernible beneath. The palate displayed lovely presence in the mouth with a honeyed edge to the citrus fruit all complemented by a sherbet lemon acidity and a lovely mineral character. Clean and pure and with balance, elegance and a modern touch.