2020 Chateau Carbonnieux Grand Cru Classé de Graves Pessac Leognan Blanc

• "Will Only Get Better as It Matures" ~94 Wine Enthusiast
• "Outstanding as Always" ~93 James Suckling
• "Utterly Classic Grave White That Will Evolve for at Least a Decade" ~JD
• Same Team Behind Chateau Perrin
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About the Wine

Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest and most esteemed wine estates in the Bordeaux region, this Blanc embodies centuries of tradition and excellence.

Nestled atop a majestic gravel hill, Château Carbonnieux boasts a rich history spanning nearly eight centuries. Since its inception, it has been a beacon of quality, belonging to the iconic Perrin Family for four generations. The vineyard, enveloping the castle, is a testament to sustainable and eco-responsible agriculture, exclusively dedicated to producing Grands Crus Classés de Graves.

The history of Château Carbonnieux intertwines seamlessly with that of Bordeaux itself. From its medieval origins to its zenith during the reign of Louis XIV, each chapter is marked by resilience and refinement. Thomas Jefferson himself, a connoisseur of both wine and history, left his indelible mark on the estate during his grand tour of France in 1786.

In the aftermath of two World Wars, Château Carbonnieux faced adversity head-on. However, in 1956, under the stewardship of Marc Perrin, the estate embarked on a journey of revitalization. Through meticulous replanting and modernization efforts, the Perrin family ushered in a new era of excellence, elevating Bordeaux wines to new heights of renown. Today, this estate is better than ever. 

Aging: 10 months in French oak barrels (25% new)

Tasting Notes

65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillón. A pale yellow color, very pure with slightly green tints. The nose is young, revealing freshness and the whole personality of the white Sauvignon in its savory aromas of intense citrus fruit. The freshness and intensity is surprising in this 2020 white. The woodiness is mellowed leaving pride of place to the aromas of juicy white fruit (pear, peach...). The end is divine. 

Critical Reviews

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. ~94 Wine Enthusiast

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. ~93 James Suckling

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 Decanter

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 Jeb Dunnuck

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 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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. ~92 Wine Spectator

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