Château Pape Clément, Blanc, Pessac Léognan,

Bernard Magrez’s flagship estate is ideally nestled in the suburbs of Bordeaux, close to the Rocade and not far away from Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion. The terroir is well respected, however, the Magrez style is sometimes criticised for over extraction. Indeed, the wines do sometimes appear thick when tasted from barrel, but there are many fans, none more influential than the American critic, Robert Parker. Of the 32.5 hectares of vineyards, 30 are planted with red varietals (60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot). The Pape Clement Blanc is produced from 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon and 10% Muscadelle and unusually is fermented and aged in oak. As a result it is quite a distinctive style and has a niche following.