13% abv, Arnaud de Butler, Portets, imported by United Wine and Spirits LLC, Houston, TX. Cork closure: diam composite. Biodynamic calendar: leaf day.
Located along the Garonne River is the Graves town of Portets, the Château Caribitey was built by Franciscan nuns but came into the private hands of the Butler family in the 1970s. Arnaud is a second generation vigneron who took over from his father Jean-Ralph in 1998.
The vines are planted on the namesake gravel soils of the appellation and are an average 30 years of age. The assemblage is 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon aged for six month in 20% new French oak. The aromatics of this wine are almost pronounced, likely due to the barrel fermentation
Tasting note: the 2017 Crabitey is medium lemon in color with a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of jasmine, lemon, nectarine, pomelo and bay leaf. Structurally, this wine is dry with medium+ in acidity, with medium alcohol, medium+ body, medium+ flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of white nectarine, kaffir lime, lemongrass, and a creamy and toasty lemon meringue. This has a lovely depth and complexity of fruit, is really quite balanced and was an almost total pleasure. This wine is very good 9.3/10. Drink now, it is on peak!
