Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc 2025

Decanter: Picked through to 4 September to get as much ripeness as possible - reaching 14% alcohol with a low pH of 3.11 - a sensational dry white for the vintage! First you get classically Sauvignon Blanc aromas bright, lifted, and immediately expressive, marked by zesty lime, citrus peel, and a distinctive hint of margarita-like salinity that adds both charm and precision. Then comes the palate: a harmonious combination of freshness and breadth with an attack crisp and vibrant, yet quickly expanding into a more generous, rounded mid-palate thanks to both Sémillon in the blend as well as lees stirring. The wine, ageing in 10% new oak, delivers a satisfying sense of volume often missing in leaner vintages. And the added width never compromises its energy; instead, it enhances complexity and drinkability. The saline-citrus character carries through to a clean, persistent finish, reinforcing balance and structure."

James Suckling: This shows semillon character with aromas of dried apples, pears, spices, dried lemon peel and lemon curd. It’s full-bodied, layered and rich, with flavors of fruit and grape skin. Fascinating waxy finish. One of the earliest harvests ever, starting on August 19. A blend of 55% sauvignon blanc and 45% semillon."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Honeysuckle, white peach, lemon curd are there with just a swirl in the perfume. The palate is sweet, juicy, and lush, with honeysuckle accents that add sweetness to the yellow fruits on the mid-palate and finish. The wine blends 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon. 14% ABV. Drink from 2027-2034."

Vinum: Frische Nase, weisse Grapefruit, Kieselstein, Aprikose; knackiger Gaumen, delikate Frucht, feine Säure, zeigt Trinkfluss und Harmonie, hallt angenehm lange nach. Ein sicherer Wert."

Falstaff: Helles Gelbgrün, Silberreflexe. Feiner Limettentouch, ein Hauch von weißer Tropenfrucht, zart nach Stachelbeeren, etwas Kiwi und Limetten. Kräftig, weißer Apfel, dezente Säurestruktur, mineralisch-zitronig im Abgang, Mangotouch, ein eleganter Speisenwein, wird mit Zeit noch zulegen."