Chateau Ste Anne Bandol Blanc 2023
White 12% ABV ABV Ste AnneMy new favourite white
I don't usually spend this much on white wine but I'm so glad I did. It smells incredible — really distinctive, like you can almost smell the south of France. The finish is long and clean and just makes you want another sip immediately.
Nice but a bit steep
The wine shop guy recommended this and it's definitely good — clean, balanced, interesting flavours that build the more you drink it. But honestly at nearly £40 I expected to be a bit more wowed. I'd buy it again on sale.
Keeps getting better in the glass
First sip I thought it was just okay, but by the third glass I was properly impressed. It opens up loads and has this depth that sneaks up on you. Had it with grilled prawns and it was perfect.
Surprisingly complex
Not gonna lie, I mainly drink reds so I wasn't sure about this. But there's actual complexity here — each sip tastes slightly different and it rewards you for paying attention. Had it with a cheese board on the patio and it was a really lovely evening wine.
Holiday find that blew me away
Picked this up at a wine shop in Bandol last summer and wish I'd bought a case. There's this lovely Mediterranean herb thing going on, almost like garrigue, and the finish just keeps going. Seriously good white wine that made me rethink what Provence can do beyond rosé.
Great dinner party wine
Brought this to a friend's birthday dinner and it went down really well with the fish course. It's got proper structure to it, not one of those thin whites that disappear after you swallow. At £37 it's not cheap but it felt worth it for an occasion.
Solid but not mind-blowing
Saw this on a restaurant menu and thought I'd try something different. It's a well-made wine, decent acidity, good balance. Pleasant enough but I've had whites at half the price that excited me more. The 12% ABV keeps it easy drinking though.