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.
Blend: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon
CRITICAL ACCLAIM:
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.
Barrel Sample: 93-95
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.
93 Points, Decanter
One of the benchmark wines for white Pessacs, and it has succeeded here. Plenty of curling aromatics out of the glass, a lovely grip and bounce. Good stuff. A yield of 47hl/ha. 25% new oak.
Barrel Sample: 93
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. Drink now.
91 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Carbonnieux Blanc delivers loads of zesty sparks of yuzu and lime peels over a core of green apples, fresh grapefruit and crushed rock with a hint of wild thyme. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and refreshing, offering a great intensity of citrusy flavors with a chalky finish.
