critic reviews
The 2019 Pape Clement Blanc is composed of 46% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 14% Sauvignon Gris. It really wows from first sniff, with flamboyant scents of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and fresh pears, followed by hints of yuzu and chalk dust. The medium-bodied palate is super intense, with layer upon layer of citrus and mineral flavors, finishing with epic length.
The 2019 Pape-Clément Blanc has an attractive and complex nose with yellow plum, lanolin and light smoky scents, very well-defined with neatly assimilated oak. Noticeable SO2 here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, lacking a bit of mid-weight density and thereafter it just seems to lose complexity with a tinned pineapple and Golden Delicious finish. This bottle may have suffered light strike. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Bursting with aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, tropical fruits and fresh bread, Pape Clement's 2019 Blanc is medium to full-bodied, bright and vibrant, its elegantly fleshy core of fruit animated by lively acids and chalky dry extract that lends pleasing grip to the finish. This is a seamless, refreshing Sauvignon-dominated (in percentage as well as personality) blend that is drinking well out of the gates. Though this derives from a warm terroir in a warm vintage, that's not especially evident, and this is far less unctuous and overtly oaky than was the case a decade ago. Equally, though it can't be faulted in terms of haut couture winemaking, the lack of yesteryear's pronounced signature reveals a wine that's just a little simple.
Beautifully rich on the nose, with a sense of forward motion and cool gunsmoke confidence. Full of flavour, this takes things slowly, building layer by layer with apricot, nectarine pit. Poised and restrained at first but expands through the mid palate, has a physicality and an architure to it that all great white wines need, and this is impressive. Harvest August 30 to September 12. Michel Rolland consultant.