Pape Clement Blanc 2023 (750ML)

96-97 JS / 95 DE / 93-95 WI / 93-95 VM / 94 JA / 91-94 JD 

Dense and tight with a solid core of sliced Meyer lemon, lime and green apple. It’s full and very compact with a phenolic texture that runs the length of the wine. Slightly chewy, yet, it’s long and persistent with a mineral and bitter citrus undertone at the end. - James Suckling

Combining orange clementine, pink grapefruit and kiwi aromas, this is one of the brightest - and most non-opulent Pape Clément whites that I can recall tasting from en primeur. It reminds me a bit of the 2021 vintage. The finish shows a hint of pineapple but the wine is far more citrus driven, with breed and polish, excellent acidity and wet stone mineratlity. I am not sure about 96 points just yet, as it seems just a bit light on its feet for a Pape-Clément. Let's see how the barrel ageing will expand the palate, with a strong potential for a higher score. Tasted twice with similar results. - Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter

The white Pape Clement 2023 erupts form the glass with powerful notes of juicy pineapple, green guava, and ripe pears, plus hints of lime blossoms and yuzu. The medium-bodied palate is racy and intense, with a satiny texture and great length. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The 2023 Pape Clément Blanc is another strong vintage for a wine that has been in transition for a few years now. There's still plenty of textural richness in the Blanc, but less of the tropical character and flamboyance of some past years. Orange peel, mint, dried herbs, chamomile and crushed flowers open gracefully. All the elements are so well balanced. Tasted three times. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Pale gold colour, good grip, plenty of rise through the palate, waves of nectarine, peach pit, kiwi, saffron, mint leaf. Has structure and depth through the mid palate, coupled with fresh acidity, and can age. 48hl/ha yield. - Jane Anson

One of the more serious whites in the vintage, the 2023 Château Pape Clément Blanc has a medium gold hue as well as a terrific nose of ripe stone fruits, honeyed flowers, and toasted bread. This carries to a more medium-bodied white with a vibrant, focused mouthfeel, integrated yet bright acidity, and a clean, crisp, mineral-laced finish. It's not up with the great vintages of this cuvée, but it's nevertheless a beautifully balanced white that will shine for a decade. - Jeb Dunnuck