Château Carbonnieux, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2023

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.

Winemaker
Andréa Perrin

Grape / Blend
68% Sauvignon Blanc, 32% Semillon

Origin
Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The wine has a pale yellow color. The nose reveals floral aromas such as lilac and hawthorn, followed after aeration by fruity notes of lemon, grapefruit, and passion fruit. On the palate, the attack is fresh, supported by crisp acidity; the dense, fleshy finish is marked by citrus notes.

95 Points - Wine Spectator
This crackles with tarragon, fleur de sel, oyster shell and lemon pith notes that ripple throughout, while a steady core of yuzu and mirabelle plum moves through. Live-wire acidity keeps everything focused and mouthwatering. Lovely. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

94 Points - James Suckling
Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac.

93 Points - Decanter
With its lemon rind and grassy notes, this Sauvignon Blanc dominated wine - ever reliable - continues to appeal in 2023, although it does have some varietal aspects that come across as less nuanced when compared to some of its peers. Nonetheless, this is excellent white wine, with grip, juiciness, depth and freshness. To be served confidently with fish in a cream sauce.

92 Points - Wine Advocate
Notes of white fruits, confit citrus, herbs and menthol emerge from the 2023 Blanc from Carbonnieux, a moderately weighted, elegant and sappy, enveloping and juicy wine with lot of freshness and a long, saline finish. This is a classic at this address and a real effort in the context of the vintage.

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
A classic, impeccably balanced white, the 2023 Château Carbonnieux Blanc sports a medium gold hue as well as ripe citrus and stone fruits intermixed with minty herbs and a kiss of minerality. Based on 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Sémillon and brought up 10 months on the lees in 70% French oak barrels (20% new) with the balance in 30- and 55-hectoliter wooden vats, it's medium-bodied and has a clean, focused mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It will shine on the dinner table over the coming decade.

Product size: 750ml