Pape Clément Blanc 2009

The 2009 Pape Clement Blanc is an absolutely remarkable wine, which is not a surprise given what this historic estate has done in both white and red over the last 20 years. Their white wine, an intriguing blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and the rest Muscadelle, comes from 7.5 acres of pure gravelly soil. An exquisite nose of honeysuckle, tropical fruit, pineapple, green apples, and orange and apricot marmalade soar from the glass. Great acidity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a texture more akin to great grand cru white Burgundy put this wine in a class by itself. I wouldn't be surprised if there were others who also think this is pure perfection in white Bordeaux. I tasted this wine four separate times and gave it a perfect score three of the four times. It is one of most exquisite dry white I have ever tasted from anywhere - period. Certainly the founder of Pape Clement, Bertrand de Goth, would be happy with his decision to plant a vineyard here in 1305. Pure genius!

Tasted at the chateau. A blend of 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, 6% Muscadelle and 6% Sauvignon Gris, cropped at 47hl.ha between 10th and 22nd September, this has a lovely, quite floral bouquet with good definition: lemon, lemon curd, lime flower and orange-blossom. The palate is well balanced, moderate acidity, a little waxy in texture and just missing some delineation and complexity towards the grapefruit finish. I much prefer the bouquet to the palate. Tasted April 2010.

Attractive celery and sliced apple character. Lemon rind. Full-bodied, with good acidity and a clean finish. Long and complex.

A little bit of (good quality) oak on the nose. Very rich and supple and fat on the palate. Going for mass! A bit of tropical fruit even. So last year, my dear... ! But quite fun to drink actually. Just not that refreshing. Alcoholic and spicy. Date tasted 2nd April 2010. Drink 2011-2014.

Fine lemon yellow, complex and almost fleshy white fruits, evidence of oak which adds to the complexity, an openly fine, delicious young but will age well. Drink 2013-18.