Le Merle Blanc 2024 (EDR)

The "White Blackbird" – A Rare Médoc Treasure

The Vibe In the land of powerful red Médoc wines, Le Merle Blanc (the "White Blackbird") is a rare and poetic exception. Produced by Château Clarke (an Edmond de Rothschild Heritage estate), this wine is a revival of a 19th-century tradition. While most of the Médoc was replanted with red grapes, the Rothschilds kept a small, 3-hectare "secret garden" of white varieties. The 2022 vintage is a standout—it captures the intense heat of the year while maintaining the signature "limestone freshness" that makes Château Clarke unique.

The NoseThe 2022 is notably complex and "sunny." It leads with a fresh, minty blast of citrus fruits (pink grapefruit and lemon zest). As it opens up, it reveals a much deeper bouquet of white peach, jasmine, and exotic passion fruit. Because a portion of the wine is aged in oak, there is a very subtle, sophisticated whisper of white pepper and smoked cream that gives it an "expensive" feel.

The TasteOn the palate, this is a "structured" white wine. It has a rich, oily, and broad attack (thanks to the Sémillon and Muscadelle), but it is immediately balanced by a vibrant, mineral acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll taste ripe pear and green apple with a finish that is long, clean, and slightly salty. It’s elegant and "serious"—more like a top-tier Graves than a simple Sauvignon

Product SpecsFeatureRealityOrigin

Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux (Appellation Bordeaux Blanc)Blend70% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sémillon, 10% Muscadelle, 10% Sauvignon GrisAgingAged on lees; ~20% in new barrels, 80% in stainless steelStats13.5% ABVTerroirClay-limestone (The "Right Bank" soil of the Left Bank)Critical Score91-92 Points (James Suckling, 8Wines)

Best Paired With:The "Ocean" Pairing: Grilled prawns with a citrus marinade, scallops, or fresh oysters.The "Fresh" Choice: Summer salads with goat cheese, walnuts, and a honey vinaigrette.The Exotic Match: Its aromatic complexity makes it a surprising partner for Vietnamese or Thai cuisine (lemongrass and ginger flavors).Pro Tip: While many Bordeaux whites are best consumed within 2 years, the 2022 Merle Blanc has the structure to evolve. It is "very enjoyable" right now in 2026, but it will likely "blossom" further over the next 2–3 years. Serve it at 10–12°C—not ice cold—to let those delicate floral and peach notes breathe.