2013 Bordeaux white wines on market and here are some to try

On The Coast wine columnist Barbara Philip says this past weekend was an exciting one for wine lovers: it saw the release of the top 2013 Bordeaux wines into the B.C. market.

Philip says 2013 was a challenging year for reds as the weather conditions made strict selection in the vineyard and winery a must, which meantoutput was very low.

She says the cool season produced magnificent white wines, though, with pure, vibrant aromas and beautiful texture.

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"The Sauvignon Blanc/Smillon blends from Bordeaux are often overshadowed by the reds but can be delicious and characterful wines especially in a vintage like 2013," she told On The Coast host Stephen Quinn.

Here are Philip's picks for 2013 Bordeaux white wines.

Chteau Rahoul. Graves. Bordeaux. 2013. $30.00

"Rahoul blanc is a Smillon-dominant blend, which gives it lovely beeswax and floral flavours in addition to the herbal notes from Sauvignon Blanc. 15 per cent new oak during the maturation gives body to the wine rather than adding strong aromatic character. Try it with lemon chicken."

Clos des Lunes "Lune d'Argent." Bordeaux blanc. 2013. $35.00

"Olivier Bernard, from the famous Domaine de Chevalier, has sought out the best plots in the Sauternes region to make drywhite wine. It is 70 per cent Smillon and 30 per cent Sauvignon Blanc with a waxy texture and toasty, driedherbal aromas."

Chteau Olivier Blanc. Pessac-Lognan. Bordeaux. 2013. $60.00

"Chteau Olivier is a great house to watch for both its whites and reds but, in 2013, it is this blend of 68 per cent Sauvignon Blanc, 30 per cent Smillon and two per cent Muscadelle that really impresses. Lemon curd, passion fruit and wild herbs on the nose balance a palate that is fresh and creamy at the same time."

Chteau Grand Renom Bordeaux Blanc. Bordeaux blanc. 2014. $16.99

"The Grand Renom is available all year and is a great introduction to white Bordeaux. It is all Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of toastiness from oak."

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast