André Lurton

André Lurton has been at the helm of Château Bonnet since 1953, which features vineyards originally planted in the 16th century. Lurton was born on the estate, acquired by his grandfather in 1897 and now a sprawling 300 hectares of vines. It lies north of the Entre-Deux-Mers on the clay-chalk slopes of Grézillac. Selected by Le Guide Hachette des Vins (one of France’s oldest and most respected wine-buying guides) as coup de coeur (“special favorite”) for its 2012, the appellation leader consistently produces wines of eminent quality. This blend is made from hand sorted Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle with after skin contact and settling in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Matured for 4 months on lees, it’s a vibrant everyday wine that can age up to 3 years. Its predecessor won Silver in the 2014 LA International Wine & Spirits Competition and Bronze in the 2014 Challenge International du vin de Blaye. An elegant boutique of white flowers and pear aromas lead on the nose, while a swirl in the glass reveals intense pink grapefruit overtones. Fresh and full of tropical fruit, it is expressive on the palate with smoky and mineral notes. It’s full-bodied and balanced with a long and lively finish.