FEATURES
🏰 The 1998 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc is an aged white Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan, a blend predominantly of Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon. While the 1998 vintage for white Bordeaux was generally considered good, this wine, at over two decades old, offers a fascinating journey into the evolution of aged white wines. Expect a profile that has moved beyond fresh primary fruit, developing complex tertiary notes of dried apple, pineapple, and lemon undertones, with a phenolic character and a salty touch. Some reviews from the early 2010s noted it as solid and rich for the vintage, with an "old school" feel. It's a testament to the aging potential of quality white Bordeaux. 【Aged White Bordeaux with Old School Charm】
Serving Advice: For a white wine of this age, careful handling is essential. Stand the bottle upright for several days to allow any potential sediment to settle, though white wines typically have less. Use an Ah-So or Durand opener for the potentially fragile cork. Decanting is generally not recommended for aged white wines as it can cause them to fade quickly; instead, pour gently directly into glasses. Serve chilled but not ice-cold, around 10-12°C (50-54°F), to allow its complex aromas to express themselves.
🍴 This aged white Bordeaux would pair beautifully with meaty and oily fish like salmon, mackerel, or swordfish. It also complements shellfish, sashimi, sushi, chicken, veal, and various cheeses. A particularly good match would be raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice to accentuate its citrus notes.
🥂 This wine is perfect for a discerning palate seeking to explore the complexities of aged white Bordeaux. It's an excellent choice for a special dinner with wine-loving friends, offering a unique and reflective tasting experience.
BACKGROUND
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is a highly regarded estate in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, known for producing excellent red and white wines. The estate has seen significant investments and improvements since being acquired by the Gervoson family in 1987. The white wine is typically a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, grown on deep gravelly soils with a clay-limestone subsoil. Fermented and aged in oak barrels, the wine is rich, textured, and aromatic, offering complex notes of citrus, white peach, honeysuckle, and a distinct flinty minerality, with excellent aging potential.