The clay–limestone of Garonne gravel found in the Pessac-Léognan Appellation certainly produces the best dry white wines in the Bordeaux region. When young, Carbonnieux Blanc is delightfully refreshing and pure with a fruity, floral intensity. When mature its develops hints of dried and candied fruits giving scope for a large range of gastronomic pairings.
Blend: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon
94 Wine Enthusiast Crisp and tight with fine citrus flavors, the wine is beautifully proportioned with textured, zesty acidity. It shows balance between its structure and its fruits that will only get better as it matures. Barrel Sample: 93-95
93 James Suckling Lots of dried lemon, spiced pear, matchstick, and ginger aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with light caramel, honey and some tropical fruits. Dense wine, but framed with phenolics. Delicious finish. Outstanding as always. 65% sauvignon and 35% semillon.
93 Decanter One of the benchmark wines for white Pessacs, and it has succeeded here. Plenty of curling aromatics out of the glass, a lovely grip and bounce. Good stuff. A yield of 47hl/ha. 25% new oak.Barrel Sample: 93
93 Jeb Dunnuck Richer notes of honeyed pineapple, crushed lemon, tangerine, and white flowers all emerge from the 2020 Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc, a bright, juicy, vibrant white that has medium-bodied richness, good mid-palate concentration, and a great finish. It's another utterly classic Grave white that will evolve for at least a decade. Best After 2023
92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Carbonnieux Blanc has turned out very well in bottle, exhibiting attractive aromas of lemon oil, pomelo, crisp stone fruit, mint and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, with a layered, concentrated mid-palate and a penetrating finish, it's a great success in the estate's Sauvginon-dominant style.
92 Wine Spectator Fresh and breezy, with a fleur de sel edge that adds nice energy to the core of gooseberry, white peach and lemon gelée. Presents a pretty quinine echo through the finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.