Château Carbonnieux, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2020

Overview of the Wine
The history of Carbonnieux goes back a very long way, and records show that wine was made there at least as early as the 12th century. Benedictine monks from Sainte-Croix abbey in Bordeaux replanted and renovated the estate in the 18th century. They took advantage of the exceptionally pale, clear color of the white wine to label it as "Carbonnieux mineral water", which they then proceeded to ship to the sultan of Turkey.

Marc Perrin acquired and restored the chateau in 1956. His son, Antony, currently manages the estate. The gravelly soil at Carbonnieux is perfectly drained thanks to the Eau Blanche stream that carries away any excess water. The 85 hectares of vines are evenly divided between red and white wine varieties. The white wine is fermented and aged in barrel for 10 months. The red wine is aged for 15 to 18 months in barrel, depending on the quality and characteristics of the vintage.

Grape / Blend
65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon

Origin
Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The clay–limestone of Garonne gravel found in the Pessac-Léognan Appellation certainly produces the best dry white wines in the Bordeaux region. When young, Carbonnieux Blanc is delightfully refreshing and pure with a fruity, floral intensity. When mature its develops hints of dried and candied fruits giving scope for a large range of gastronomic pairings.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Crisp and tight with fine citrus flavors, the wine is beautifully proportioned with textured, zesty acidity. It shows balance between its structure and its fruits that will only get better as it matures.

93 Points - Decanter 
Salty and tangy, this has excellent energy and persistence, really driving from start to finish in a straight line, giving expression and nuance. Well delivered, good bitter edges as well as bright and shiny citrus - a real mix of orange peel, lemon, lime, fragrant lychee and perfumed tones. Aromatic, energetic, frame and texture. Lovely coolness. Lots going on with style and signature.

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Richer notes of honeyed pineapple, crushed lemon, tangerine, and white flowers all emerge from the 2020 Château Carbonnieux Blanc, a bright, juicy, vibrant white that has medium-bodied richness, good mid-palate concentration, and a great finish. It's another utterly classic Grave white that will evolve for at least a decade.

93 Points - James Suckling
Lots of dried lemon, spiced pear, matchstick, and ginger aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with light caramel, honey and some tropical fruits. Dense wine, but framed with phenolics. Delicious finish. Outstanding as always. 65% sauvignon and 35% semillon.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Carbonnieux Blanc has turned out very well in bottle, exhibiting attractive aromas of lemon oil, pomelo, crisp stone fruit, mint and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, with a layered, concentrated mid-palate and a penetrating finish, it's a great success in the estate's Sauvginon-dominant style.

92 Points - Wine Spectator
Fresh and breezy, with a fleur de sel edge that adds nice energy to the core of gooseberry, white peach and lemon gelée. Presents a pretty quinine echo through the finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

Product size: 750ml