2023 Chateau Pape Clement, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan

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 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

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.

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.