Chateau Carbonnieux 2022 Blanc Pessac-Léognan Graves

The 2022 Château Carbonnieux Blanc from Pessac-Léognan is a distinguished Grand Cru Classé that exemplifies the finesse of Bordeaux's white wines. Crafted from a blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, it offers a harmonious balance between vibrant freshness and elegant complexity.

Tasting Notes & Acclaim

• Aromas: Bright and refined, bursting with lemon, jasmine, linden blossom, smoke, pear, and peach.

• Palate:

  • Medium to full-bodied and fleshy, yet balanced with a zesty, mineral-driven finish.

  • Other reviewers highlight flavors of white pepper, chalk, sage, mint, and saline oyster-shell notes—refreshing, long in finish, and precise.

• Style: "Creamy, fresh and intense" with a savory core and balanced, layered structure 

Scores

• ~93 points from multiple critics, including Wine Advocate, James Suckling, Vinous, Wine Spectator, and Jeb Dunnuck 

Summary & Drinkability

This is a serious, age-worthy Bordeaux white—tonally elegant and wonderfully aromatic. It shows classic citrus and stone-fruit richness, underpinned by a saline mineral current and vibrant acidity. The blended Sémillon lends body and structure, while fermented and aged with finesse (including some oak or lees influence) it remains bright and rewarding in youth—but will also develop beautifully over time.

Drink window: From now into the late 2020s or potentially beyond as it gains complexity 

Food Pairing Ideas

Pairs superbly with refined seafood dishes—think scallops with lemon beurre blanc—or richer appetizers like charcuterie. Its balance of freshness and savory complexity also complements creamy shellfish and light poultry preparations.

"Bright and engaging, with chive oil, thyme and oyster shell notes blitzing to the fore, followed quickly by a second wave of enticing lemon pith, white peach and star fruit flavors through the long, fresh, pure finish. Someone bring the langoustines and saffron aioli. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2027. 10,800 cases made,." Wine Spectator 93 Points

“A blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sémillon, the 2022 Carbonnieux Blanc evokes notes of boxwood, white flowers, spices, confit citrus and pear mingled with dominant Sauvignon Blanc-inflected notes. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and layered, it’s deeper than the 2021, with a round, enrobing palate, bright acids and a long, penetrating and mouthwatering finish complemented by a delicate gastronomic bitterness due to the dryness of the year. This is a great effort.” Robert Parker 93 Points