Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc, Pessac Leognan Graves 2016 (1x75cl)

Château Carbonnieux, a distinguished Grand Cru Classé de Graves estate, is celebrated for its exemplary dry white wines from the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The 2016 vintage of their Blanc bottling showcases the estate's mastery in blending Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, cultivated on the region's characteristic gravelly soils. These well-draining soils, rich in quartz and pebbles, impart a distinctive minerality and freshness to the grapes.

Winemaking at Carbonnieux involves meticulous attention to detail, with fermentation typically occurring in French oak barrels, followed by ageing on fine lees with regular bâtonnage. This regime contributes to the wine's textural complexity and integrates the oak influence seamlessly, enhancing its aromatic profile without overshadowing the fruit's inherent vibrancy. The 2016 vintage, marked by favourable climatic conditions, yielded grapes with excellent phenolic ripeness and acidity, promising both immediate enjoyment and significant ageing potential.

Tasting notes

The 2016 Château Carbonnieux Blanc presents a brilliant pale gold hue in the glass. The nose is elegantly expressive, revealing a complex bouquet of ripe citrus, particularly grapefruit and lemon zest, intertwined with delicate notes of white peach, acacia blossom, and a subtle flinty minerality. Underlying nuances of toasted almond and vanilla bean emerge from its judicious barrel ageing.

On the palate, the wine is remarkably balanced, offering a vibrant acidity that frames a rich, creamy texture. Flavours of lemon curd, green apple, and a hint of passionfruit are complemented by a saline minerality and a touch of oak spice. The finish is long, precise, and refreshing, leaving an impression of sophisticated complexity and a promise of further evolution with bottle age.