Chateau Carbonnieux 2017 Bordeaux White, Cru Classe de Graves, Pessac-Leognan

#4 on Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Top 100 Cellar Selections for 2020!

Chateau Carbonnieux is an estate with a long history. In 1786, Thomas Jefferson went on a grand tour of France to discover its vineyards. His diary shows that he came to Carbonnieux. He also left his mark by planting an American pecan tree in the Château park. This tree, over two centuries old, still takes pride of place in the inner courtyard today.


In 1959, when the Grands Crus of the Graves were officially classified, Chateau Carbonnieux was classified along with 16 Graves Crus all within the current Pessac-Léognan appellation. Thanks to the exceptional potential of its terroir, Château Carbonnieux was classified both for red and white wines.

The Chateau Carbonnieux terroir is remarkable for its structure and the diversity of its soils. There's clay, gravel, sand and limestone in various locations on the estate, each plot has a name which gives it a unique identity and guarantees it special attention and personalised care.

Grapes for this wine were hand sorted and barrel fermented. The aged on the lees for 10 months in 25% new oak barrels. The blend is 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon.


Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded it a "Cellar Selection" and scored it 95 points saying "This wine’s smooth texture is deceptive. Under this creamy guise, a taut, steely character promises long-term aging. Richness and fruitiness harmonize with complexity. Drink from 2022."

Decanter Magazine scored this from barrel 93-95 saying "Right off the bat this has richness and concentration, with peachy creaminess through the mid-palate but without sacrificing tension and lift. It's a fine example of what 2017 can deliver in the best whites, and should age very well."