Chateau Pontac Monplaisir 2021 Pessac-Leognan Blanc, Bordeaux

Sometimes white wine from the heart of the Graves region can taste a little oily, but this attractive dry white avoids that.  Grown in a property adjacent to, and once the property of, Chateau Haut Brion (where their white wine often tops $800), this blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris comes across very civilized.  It’s a medium-weight wine with a scant trace of honey in the aroma and an intriguing flavor.  Just 50 cases per year make it to California.