Château Carbonnieux 2023

Expressive, very stony and smoky, grassy notes, citrus; a fresh palate, lively and light-footed, yet with drive and good concentration, incredibly crisp, with verve and length.

With its lemon rind and grassy notes, this Sauvignon Blanc-dominated wine – ever reliable – continues to appeal in 2023, although it does have some varietal aspects that come across as less nuanced compared to some of its peers. Nonetheless, this is excellent white wine, with grip, juiciness, depth and freshness. Serve confidently with fish in a cream sauce.

Granny Smith apples, peppery citrus, and lemon rind notes are there with just a swirl or two in the perfume. Vibrant, energetic, yellow citrus flavors are packed in the crispy finish. The wine blends 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillon. Drink from 2025-2032.

Light yellow-green, silver reflections. Delicate herbs and grapefruit zest, a hint of gooseberries, floral touch. Medium body, white apple, very fine acidity, salty and mineral finish, good persistence, a fresh food wine.

Delicate bouquet, nectarine, mirabelle jelly and freshly ground white pepper. On the palate, light-footed and juicy, with balanced acidity and supporting minerality. Aromatic finish with citrus peel, grapefruit zest and a noble chalky note.

Classical, balanced, luscious, salt scrape, butterscotch, white peach, lemon curd, liquorice, sage and graphite. Ageing on fine lees across 225l, 400l and 5000l barrel and casks, 40hl/ha yield. 45ha vineyard, 30% new oak.

The grapefruit and honey aromas of this wine are echoed in its crisp and rounded textures. It is ripe with apple and spice flavors, the wood aging subtly in the background. Drink from 2027.

This crackles with tarragon, fleur de sel, oyster shell and lemon pith notes that ripple throughout, while a steady core of yuzu and mirabelle plum moves through. Live-wire acidity keeps everything focused and mouthwatering. Lovely. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2033. 10,800 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

Light, bright yellow color. Intense, fruity and subtle nose, with a hint of raspberries. Delicate, flavorful palate with a pleasantly soft, silky texture. Medium, enjoyable length.

Notes of white fruits, confit citrus, herbs and menthol emerge from the 2023 Blanc from Carbonnieux, a moderately weighted, elegant and sappy, enveloping and juicy wine with lot of freshness and a long, saline finish. This is a classic at this address and a real effort in the context of the vintage.