Château Les Charmes-Godard - Francs Côtes de Bordeaux blanc 2021

Decanter

About the wine:

Fresh and lively, clean and crisp, it strikes a good balance between succulent and juicy, almost sorbet-like, with a creamy texture and suppleness. Good length and intensity, no loss of momentum in the mid-palate, and a lively finish. 2022–2030

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Acquired in 1988, Charmes-Godard is a small, intimate 4.44-hectare vineyard that produces a white wine crafted with the care of a classified growth, dominated by Sémillon. A very lovely wine, undoubtedly one of the most flavorful in the region; the 2021 vintage offers a pleasant mouthfeel, a broad and refined structure, and notes of crisp white fruit, white flowers, and citrus. A very pleasant white, fermented in 500-liter barrels and aged on lees for six months, best enjoyed with a meal. 2023–2030

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Nicolas and Cyrille Thienpont, father and son, work in tandem at the helm of three estates: Alcée (Castillon) and La Prade (Francs), led by the flagship estate, Les Charmes Godart, whose terroir—currently in the process of converting to organic farming—is home to some of the finest Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, grown on the limestone and molasse plateau of the Fronsadais region within the Côtes de Francs appellation. Here is an estate offering three châteaux with distinct identities, all offering excellent value for money.
The wines: the crystalline charm of the Sémillons, harvested in successive passes, hasn’t aged a bit since last year. The 2018 still stands out from the Francs lineup with its undulating, vibrant charm and the complexity of its fruit. In 2019, even though the fruit is even deeper, the salinity remains dominant. Among the reds, the 2017—concentrated, frank, and powerful—is beginning to mellow its muscular tannins. With its refined profile and elegant stature, Château La Prade stands out with velvety tannins and the spicy notes of a lingering finish. Château Alcée, the aging gem of the Thienponts’ gourmet trio, combines richness and grace. It will take a little time to refine its Merlots born of deep clay soils.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2021 Les Charmes-Godard is composed of 65% Sémillon aged in 500-liter barrels with six months on the lees, harvested between September 14 and 24. Naturally, the Sémillon is at its best on the nose, with notes of yellow plum, lemongrass, and a slight hint of resin and aloline. The palate is well-balanced with a lively, fairly taut, and concentrated attack, with the Sémillon currently taking the lead over the rest, though this will mellow with bottle aging. In fact, I would keep it for 5 or 6 years as it will develop many secondary aromas, though I bet most of the 1,300 cases will be consumed prematurely! 2028–2040

James Suckling

About the wine:

A vibrant, fresh white wine with crisp, zesty notes of lemon, green apple, pineapple, and flint. Medium-bodied. Very fresh and approachable.

Le Figaro vins

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Fruity and floral, this wine is inviting and fresh. What character and structure! A Charmes-Godard that is briny, juicy, refreshing, and long-lasting.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fresh and elegant, with a crisp, refined character. It features notes of crisp white peach and citrus zest, along with lighter hints of star fruit, combined with subtle touches of yuzu, delicate hints of fresh lychee, and a subtle, almost fresh-rose-like note. The palate is fruity, offering acidity, richness, juiciness, nice definition, and a tangy structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy lemon, star fruit, and, more subtly, crisp flat peach, combined with hints of zest, a subtle hint of lemon caviar, as well as discreet hints of almost briny minerality and a subtle, sap-like note. Good length. Richness, a fine texture, savory notes, and a lovely definition. A lovely wine for fine dining. A delicate savory quality—almost a subtle pearlescent note—on the finish and in the aftertaste.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Flowers, yellow citrus fruits, honeysuckle, green apples, pears, and hints of pink grapefruit are prominent on the nose and in the creamy, smooth, bright, vibrant palate, which is full of yellow citrus notes. Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2030.