PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Carbonnieux is one of Bordeaux’s oldest estates. It was founded by Benedictine monks in the 13th century, as documented in a deed from 1292, and it is one of the six châteaux classified as a Cru Classé de Graves for both red and white wines (1959). It has historically been better known for its white wine than its red, and its 42-45 hectares of white grapes make it the largest white wine production in Pessac-Léognan.
The 2023 Blanc is a blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, fermented and aged about 10 months in oak barrels, bottled at 13% ABV. It is a classic example of the Pessac-Léognan style: Sauvignon Blanc for vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity, Sémillon for richness and texture, with the flinty minerality of the Graves gravel and a creamy texture that lets it age for 10 to 15 years.
Critics gave it exceptional scores. Wine Enthusiast scored it 96 Points and named it a Cellar Selection: “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.” Wine Spectator scored it 95: “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.” James Suckling scored it 94: “Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac.” Jane Anson also scored it 94: “Gunsmoke, stone fruits, elderflower, cold ash, oyster shell, spice. As it opens through the palate, creamy stone fruits add depth, grip and lift. Great quality, precise and with huge persistency.” The Wine Advocate’s Yohan Castaing gave it 92, describing “elegant aromas of pear, white peach, spring flowers and herbs,” a “medium-bodied, satiny and long texture enhanced by bright acids and a lively mid-palate,” and “a long, delicate, mouthwateringly mordant finish, making it a classic white wine from this estate.” Jeff Leve scored it 93, with “Granny Smith apples, flowers, lemon rind, honeysuckle, white peach, and pineapple,” and “the touch of crushed stones in the backend,” drink 2025 to 2035.
It’s a white Bordeaux that works with the best seafood: grilled white fish, roasted halibut, creamy seafood risotto, truffle pasta, and aged Gruyère, and a good alternative to white Burgundy for customers who want something with more freshness and herbal lift.
Château Carbonnieux 2023 Blanc is produced at Château Carbonnieux in Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France, a Grand Cru Classé de Graves (1959) for both red and white. It is a blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, fermented and aged about 10 months in oak barrels. The estate, founded by Benedictine monks in the 13th century, has the largest white wine production in Pessac-Léognan. Bottled at 13% ABV, 750ml.
Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points, Cellar Selection:
“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.”
Wine Spectator — 95 Points, #9 Top Wines of 2026:
“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.”
James Suckling — 94 Points:
“Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac. Drink now.”
Jane Anson — 94 Points:
“Gunsmoke, stone fruits, elderflower, cold ash, oyster shell, spice. As it opens through the palate, creamy stone fruits add depth, grip and lift. Great quality, precise and with huge persistency.”
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider — 93 Points:
“Granny Smith apples, flowers, lemon rind, honeysuckle, white peach, and pineapple is there with just a swirl or two in the perfume. Vibrant, fresh, and fruity with sweetness, spice, roundness, finishing with pineapples, white peach, and lemon curd, with the touch of crushed stones in the backend.” Drink 2025–2035.
Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 92 Points:
“A blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, the 2023 Carbonnieux Blanc exhibits elegant aromas of pear, white peach, spring flowers and herbs, followed by a medium-bodied, satiny and long texture enhanced by bright acids and a lively mid-palate. It concludes with a long, delicate, mouthwateringly mordant finish, making it a classic white wine from this estate.”
Nose
Light gold. Grapefruit, honey, pear, and white peach, with spring flowers, herbs, lemon rind, and flinty gunsmoke.
Palate
Medium-bodied, satiny, and creamy, with yuzu, mirabelle plum, and stone fruit, bright acidity, and a lively mid-palate.
Finish
Long, delicate, and saline, with oyster shell, lemon curd, and crushed stone.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Appellation | Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France |
| Classification | Cru Classé de Graves (1959), red and white |
| Blend | 65% Sauvignon Blanc · 35% Sémillon |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Producer | Château Carbonnieux |
| Aging | ~10 months, oak barrels |
| ABV | 13% |
| Critics | Wine Enthusiast 96 (Cellar Selection) · Wine Spectator 95 · James Suckling 94 · Jane Anson 94 · Jeff Leve 93 · Wine Advocate 92 |
| Drinking Window | 2025–2035 (up to 10–15 years) |
| Style / Identity | A benchmark Pessac-Léognan white: flinty, creamy, and built to age |
| Aromas & Flavors | Grapefruit, honey, white peach, oyster shell, lemon pith, tarragon, crushed stone |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Serve lightly chilled, at about 10-12°C, in a large white wine glass.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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