Named a Cellar Selection of 2022 by Wine Enthusiast!
The 2018 was #13 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines for 2021! 2019 is another brilliant success.
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 in place in the inner courtyard today.
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 that gives it a unique identity and guarantees it special attention and personalized care.
Grapes for this wine were hand sorted and barrel fermented. They aged on the lees for 10 months in 25% new oak barrels. The blend is 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillon.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 94 points saying "The estate is noted for white wine, and this latest release lives up to the reputation. This textured, mainly Sauvignon Blanc wine has tight acidity set against wood aging and ripe citrus and white-fruit flavors. Drink the wine from 2024."
Decanter Magazine scored this 93 points saying "Apricot, pear and apple on the nose with a soft lime tang. Great persistence and energy, fruit has been well controlled and this delivers a round but fresh and lively glass of wine with subtle minerality on show too. Crunchy apple, candied lemon, some pineapple bitterness and a touch of marmalade or orange rind. Quite a tense, frank and linear style with definition and precision. Excellent winemaking. Drinking Window 2023 - 2041"
James Suckling scored this 93 points saying "Dried lemon, beeswax, sage, pineapple and guava on the nose. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity. Vibrant citrus and tropical fruit. Compact, creamy and intense. 65% sauvignon blanc and 35% semillon. Drink now or hold."
Vinous scored this 92 points saying "The 2019 Carbonnieux Blanc has developed nicely in barrel, offering orange pith, honeysuckle and jasmine scents, touches of quince and almond coming through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a zesty entry, fine weight, and some new oak lending sweetness toward the finish. Give this two or three years, as it is an accomplished dry white Pessac."