JCP Maltus, Le Nardian Blanc, 2014
JCP Maltus, Le Nardian Blanc, 2014
- 75cl
- 13%
- White Still
- Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2028
Le Nardian is the product of a wager between their now-retired Consulting Oenologue, Gilles Pauquet (also consultant to Chateau Cheval Blanc, Figeac and Canon) and JCP Maltus, that a low cropped white would see similar benefits to a red wine.
Le Nardian has, as one of its major components, Muscadelle - a cousin of Viognier. They manage to get an almost Rhône-style sense with the wine as its aromatic quality comes to the fore.
This 2014 is drinking beautifully now, having integrated its primary fruit with subtle secondary development. The tropical and floral notes are at their peak expression, while maintaining the freshness that makes this style so appealing. Over the next two years, expect the wine to develop more honeyed characteristics while potentially losing some of its vibrant fruit intensity.
What the critics say:
"The 2014 Le Nardian has a clean and fresh bouquet with honeysuckle and conference pear aromas, orange cordial emerging with time. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with candied orange peel, peach and rosewater. This is well balanced with a fine thread of acidity and just the right amount of tropical fruit on the finish. Drink over the next three or four years."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright golden yellow with excellent clarity and a slight green tinge at the rim.
NoseImmediately aromatic with honeysuckle and conference pear leading the charge. Orange cordial emerges with air, followed by exotic flowers and sweet spices. The Muscadelle component brings an almost Viognier-like intensity to the bouquet.
PalateFresh and vibrant on entry with candied orange peel and ripe peach flavours. Rosewater and tropical fruits like lychee and mango develop mid-palate. Despite the richness, a fine thread of acidity keeps everything balanced and prevents any cloying sensation.
FinishLong and tropical with just the right amount of exotic fruit lingering alongside floral notes.
Overall impressionA successful experiment that proves Bordeaux can produce genuinely exciting aromatic whites when treated with ambition.
Food Pairings
In Bordeaux, this style of rich, aromatic white would traditionally accompany the region's excellent seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast. Think grilled langoustines with herb butter, sole meunière, or the local specialty of lamprey cooked in red wine sauce (though the wine stays white). The wine's tropical character also pairs beautifully with foie gras, especially when served with fruit compotes, or with aged Roquefort and other blue cheeses that complement the wine's natural richness.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in a generous white wine glass to allow the aromatic Muscadelle component to express itself fully. No need to decant, but do allow the wine to warm slightly in the glass to reveal its complex tropical and floral layers. The wine benefits from being opened about 30 minutes before serving to let the more exotic aromas develop.
The vineyards benefit from Saint-Émilion's limestone and clay soils, which provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the vines during hot summers. The continental climate with Atlantic influences allows for slow, even ripening of the white varieties. The limestone bedrock contributes mineral backbone, while the clay component adds richness and body to the final blend.
While Le Nardian doesn't carry specific appellation designations on the label, it comes from the greater Saint-Émilion area where JCP Maltus's estates are located. This Right Bank region is better known for its Merlot-based reds, making serious white wine production relatively rare. The lack of prescriptive rules for white blends here allows producers like Maltus to experiment with varieties like Muscadelle that might be restricted elsewhere.
The 2014 vintage in Bordeaux caught many off guard with its surprising quality after a challenging growing season. A cool, wet summer had growers worried, but September delivered exactly what was needed: warm, dry conditions that allowed the grapes to ripen properly and concentrate. The harvest stretched well into October, demanding patience from producers who picked selectively rather than rushing to beat the weather.
What emerged were wines with a freshness that many riper vintages lack, built on firm tannins and bright acidity that gives them genuine aging potential. The Merlot performed particularly well on the Right Bank, whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon struggled more in cooler sites but excelled where producers waited for full ripeness. These wines are drinking beautifully now but will reward cellaring until 2030 and beyond for the better examples. We find 2014 offers tremendous value precisely because it didn't grab headlines like its neighbours.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Rich and aromatic with tropical fruits like lychee and mango, honeysuckle flowers, and candied orange peel, all balanced by vibrant acidity.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will remain at its best until 2028. This style is designed for near-term enjoyment rather than long cellaring.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with seafood, especially grilled langoustines or sole, foie gras, blue cheeses, or any dish that can handle its rich, aromatic character.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in generous white wine glasses. Open about 30 minutes before serving to let the complex aromatics develop.
What makes this wine special?
It's the product of a wager between JCP Maltus and his consultant that extreme low yields could transform white Bordeaux. The 20% Muscadelle gives it an almost Rhône-like intensity.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
No, this style is built for near-term pleasure. Drink it now while the tropical fruits and floral aromatics are at their most expressive.
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