Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan blanc 2022 - Grand Cru Classé

Owned since 1956 by the charming Perrin family, this great classic of the Pessac-Léognan appellation captivates not only with its production volume—especially for white wines—but also with the consistency and distinctiveness of its style. The very pale whites are fresh, lively, and exceptionally refined, but since 2009 they have gained in richness and body. The reds have gained significantly in power and density and rival the very best.

A concentration of bright lemon and lime with hints of orange and grapefruit—the citrus acidity, liveliness, and bitterness combine to create a nuanced and captivating palate that carries the flavor through to a long finish. It’s a bit taut and austere, less full-bodied and open, but it’s well-crafted with intensity and detail. I like the style and the profile, and this wine holds your interest with appetizing acidity and just enough fruit to balance it. Fresh and lively. HVE3 certified. Tasted twice. 2023–2030

Fermented and barrel-aged, this is an energetic Pessac with a restrained, subtly toasty nose that reveals a lovely floral and fruity bouquet (white fruits, citrus). A lovely acidity gives structure to this slender, “very Sauvignon” white—softened by the barrel but without unnecessary richness—whose zesty finish leaves a lemony trail with a delicate hint of bitterness. 2025–2030

Carbonnieux Blanc 2022 reveals a delicate bouquet with aromas of lemon, jasmine, linden, smoke, pear, and peach, followed by a medium-bodied to full-bodied palate that is rich and concentrated, deep and harmonious, with a vibrant fruity core and a zesty, mineral finish. Built around a refined acidity, this is a high-class Carbonnieux Blanc that is destined to age gracefully. The harvest began early, on August 16.

The very pale color evokes the legend of “Carbonnieux mineral water,” the name under which the Benedictine monks who owned the vineyard are said to have sold their white wine to the Sultan of Constantinople… The aroma and flavor are nuanced, with hints of apricot, lively, and almost playful. The body unfolds with lightness yet features smooth accents, evoking a sense of refined indulgence. A fine achievement for the appellation’s most significant white wine production, in a style that is both “classic” (with an indefinable, distinctly 18th-century quality…) and unique, personal.

Brothers Éric and Philibert Perrin, along with their sister Christine Lescuyer, continue to develop this important estate, which has evolved considerably over the past decade, consistently producing delicious wine. The new generation is taking the reins; the 2019 vintage was brilliantly crafted by the young Andréa Perrin. Elegant and refreshing, the whites have gained in expressiveness while developing more body on the palate. They do not age indefinitely, and we recommend enjoying them within the first five years after bottling. However, a few exceptional vintages may hold magical surprises with extended aging. The reds—serious and consistent, though often austere in their youth—have also gained in body density. They never taste as good as they do between five and ten years of age. The vineyard is continuing its restructuring program by replacing Sauvignon Blanc on the fine gravel terroirs with Cabernet Sauvignon.

A typical Carbonnieux, with aromas of apple and oyster shell, a medium- to full-bodied profile, and a delightful finish. A very good wine.

Elegance takes center stage in this wine, with aromas of frangipane, pear with lemon, and lemon verbena. Its delicacy on the palate rests on subtle balance and complexity: you’ll appreciate the tangy hint of lemon that carries through to the briny finish, with notes of lime and a touch of minerality. Pure grace.

Bright yellow color with green highlights. A refined nose with aromas reminiscent of lemon and mandarin zest, physalis, and notes of white flowers and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is very juicy with delicate acidity, sweet fruit, and notes of aromatic herbs.