| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
The rare dry white wine of Château Pape Clément is made from around 50:50 Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle.
In 2023 the blend is 60% Savignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 4% Sauvignon Gris and 1% Muscadelle. Maturation in 20% new oak, concrete eggs, ceramic tanks and foudres.
The 2023 Pape Clément Blanc is aged in around 20% new oak, with a reduction in new wood for the Sauvignon Blanc. The Sémillon matured in more neutral vessels according to winemaker Fabien Teitgen. The nose is very charming and well-define with yellow fruit, chamomile and light almond aromas. The palate is fresher than I have found in recent vintages with quince, touches of lychee and citrus peel. There's commendable linearity on the finish. This should age well in bottle but will certainly give immediate pleasure for those with less patience or time.
Aromas of white flowers, lemon oil, pomegranate and lemongrass preface the 2023 Pape Clément Blanc, a moderately weighted, sappy, layered and incisive wine with bright acids and a penetrating, mouthwatering finish. In comparison to previous vintages, the use of wood has been scaled back, allowing the wine to express a closer connection to its terroir and achieve greater precision in its aromatic profile.
Pale straw colour. Tangy, green and yellow fruited on the nose but led by smoky, charred wood. Slightly warming on the palate, there are layers of pineapple, mandarin, and pine kernels. The acids are admirable, cleansing some of the riper tones on the palate. A smoky, sweet, modern white.
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.
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.
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.
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. 2025-2033
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon, 4% Sauvignon Gris and 1% Muscadelle. Cask sample.
Reticent on the nose but shows a certain depth of fruit. Mid-palate fruit present and less oak than usual. Correct but not overly inspiring. (JL)
Drink 2025 – 2028
