Château Pape Clément, Blanc, Pessac Léognan, 2018
A blend typically dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, with Sémillon and touches of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle, this wine is rich full-bodied, and creamy on the palate with layers of pear, mango, and quince unfold seamlessly, enhanced by a chalky minerality and a touch of saline freshness. The oak is integrated with finesse, adding structure and a touch of spice,
critic reviews
The white 2018 Pape Clement comes bounding out of the glass with notes of ripe grapefruit and juicy peaches, plus touches of cedar, honeyed toast and struck match. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is lively, with an oily texture and a long, tropical fruit finish.
A touch of reduction on the first nose, reflective of the increased sculpting and more pared-back architecture of the white wine in recent years. As it opens you get fleshy nectarine, citrus zest, fresh apple and lime blossom. A lovely wine, with presence and personalty. 14 months ageing, 15% in cement tanks, the rest in barrel. Harvest August 31 to September 18. Michel Rolland consultant.
The 2018 Blanc is a blend of 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon and 4% Muscadelle. It was aged for around 14 months in 55% new and 45% second-fill French oak barrels. It races out of the gate with flamboyant scents of pineapple upside-down cake, lemon meringue pie and honey-drizzled peaches, plus suggestions of orange blossoms and yuzu peel. The medium to full-bodied palate has a decadent touch of oiliness to the texture with loads of spicy sparks to the tropical fruit layers, finishing long with a refreshing burst of zestiness. It's a richer expression, for sure, but it really works and it is seriously scrumptious.
The 2018 Pape-Clément Blanc offers attractive scents of white flower, honeysuckle, tangerine and yellow plum that gently gains intensity with aeration. The palate is well balanced on the entry, displaying a waxy texture, but then it loses a little tension toward the finish. Nutty and smoky, quite forward and just missing the energy conveyed by the aromatics.