Chateau Carbonnieux Pessac Leognan Cru Classe Blanc 2021

Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest vineyards in the Bordeaux region, with wine being made on the property since the 12th century. It is located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation in the Graves region on Bordeaux’s left bank and is a member of both the Union des Crus Classés de Graves (comprised of only 14 châteaux) and the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (whose members are the most iconic wines of the region).

The château’s vines are spread over 100 hectares—producing roughly equal amounts of red and white wine—which are grown to high environmental and sustainability standards (it has been certified HVE3 since 2017). Unusually, the estate is most famous for its white wine, which for many experts is considered a benchmark for white Bordeaux.

The region’s clay-limestone-gravel soil is known to produce the best dry white wines in Bordeaux, and Château Carbonnieux blanc is a classic, barrel-aged blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. When young, the wine is delightfully refreshing and pure, with a floral intensity, but becomes more complex with bottle age, developing hints of dried and candied fruit, making it more gastronomic and versatile for food pairings.

The 2021 vintage is 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, and is rated 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, which also named it a Cellar Selection: “This estate, particularly well known for its white wines, has lived up to its reputation in this new release. The wine is rich while also taut, young and textured. Spice from wood aging comes in at the end.”

Extremely limited. First come, first served.

Critical Acclaim:
95 points, Wine Enthusiast
93 points, James Suckling
92 points, The Wine Cellar Insider
91 points, Decanter
90 points, Wine Spectator