Château Pape Clément 2023

Ripe-fruited and very spicy, ripe peach, pineapple; juicy palate, shows breed and polish, densely structured, very good acidity, mineral on the finish. A fresh, light-footed Pape-Clément.

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)

Quite floral in nature, with lemon rind, tangerine, vanilla, honeysuckle, pineapple, and white peach with a dab of honey are a pleasure in your glass. Fresh, vibrant, racy, clean, and pure, with a salty-honeyed note accompanying all of the sweet, ripe, orange, and yellow tropical fruits really works here in the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine blends 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 4% Sauvignon Gris, and 1% Muscadelle. Picking took place August 23 - September 7. Drink from 2025-2035. 95 Pts.

Light yellow-green, silver reflections. Delicate tangerine zest, a hint of pineapple and mango, a touch of blossom honey, inviting bouquet. Taut, medium complexity, white fruit, fresh acidity, good persistence, salty finish, shows a certain length.

Delicate bouquet of vineyard peach and mandarin zest, with pomegranate, lemon balm and anise in the background. On the juicy palate, supporting drive and freshness, lovely peppery extract richness and a medium, multi-layered body. The focused, very precise finish shows greengage, a noble chalky note and verbena. I clearly prefer this new style, as the wine gains more definition and is shaped by the terroir rather than by the élevage.

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. 48 hl/ha yield.

94-96. Barrel Sample. For a white wine that reveals the ripeness of the vintage, this has an apricot aroma and pear and yellow-fruit flavors. The citrus edge at the end counters all this richness.

Warmed shortbread, macadamia nut and creamed yellow apple notes give this a showy persona up front. There’s terrific cut and drive, too, with lemon pith, fleur de sel and jicama details stretching out those initial components through the long and refined finish. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2033. 2,151 cases made.