Carbonnieux Blanc 2018 (750ML)

95 WE / 94 WS / 93 JA / 92 VM / 92 JD / 92 JS / 16.5 JR

#13 Wine Spectator Top 100 2021

Always a success, the releases of whites from this estate continue with this tight, textured, wood-aged and ripe wine. It is still young, balancing between citrus and crisp acidity, with a texture that will open as the wine ages. Drink from 2023. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

A brisk lemon pith note flanks a core of lemon curd, honeysuckle, tarragon, oyster shell and salted butter notes, with a hint of warm, herbed focaccia on the finish adding range and contrast. Delicious. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2026. 10,835 cases made. - JM, Wine Spectator

Honeysuckle and lemongrass richness set against slate and wet stone minerality. I love how Carbonnieux manages to keep freshness even in warm vintages, and this is absolutely one to look out for in 2018. No need to serve too cold either, as the subtleties are released when serving at just under room temperature rather than straight out of the fridge. I last drank this wine just a few days ago, when speaking to a group about the links between Bordeaux and California, because it is an estate that was famously visited by Thomas Jefferson. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2018 Carbonnieux turned out beautifully. Deep, ample and so expressive, the 2018 possesses quite a bit of density and pure power. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, gravel, licorice, menthol and scorched earth infuse this Pessac-Léognan with quite a bit of intensity. The 2018 is a powerhouse. Give it a few years to fully come together. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The top white, the 2018 Château Carbonnieux Blanc is largely Sauvignon with around one-quarter Sémillon. Lots of ripe lemon, leafy herb, rocky mineral, and a hint of white grapefruit emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with bright yet integrated acidity and a great finish. It's an outstanding, complex, interesting white that should have 4-6 years of prime drinking, probably longer. - Jeb Dunnuck

Whole lemon, green mango and bell pepper on the nose with a hint of chalk. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a creamy, honeyed texture. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillon.
A marked herbal side to the citrus here, seems particularly marked by the Sauvignon, almost grassy though there’s a touch of oak to add complexity and creaminess. On the palate, deep in herby citrus fruit and good freshness for the vintage. Satisfying balance of fruit and oak and decent length. (JH) - JancisRobinson .com