critic reviews
A blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Semillon, 2% Sauvignon Gris, and 1% Muscadelle, the 2021 Pape Clement Blanc charges out of the glass with energetic notes of fresh grapefruit, Bosc pears, and struck flint, leading to touches of white peaches, sea spray, and coriander seed. The light to medium-bodied palate is crisp and refreshing, with a great intensity of pear and cedary flavors and a satiny texture, culminating in a chalky lift on the finish.
Love the mouthwatering freshness and the precision to the white pear, kiwi and citrus flavours. Shows careful precision, great quality, lift through the finish, saffran and sage, and the oak notes have integrated into the structure since En Primeur. Michel Rolland consultant.
Bottled the previous January, the 2021 Pape-Clément Blanc is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. This has a brisk and lively bouquet with Golden Delicious, persimmon and white peach scents, well-defined and notably focused. The palate is well-balanced with a fresh entry and a pleasant "bite" of acidity, revealing notes of Anjou pear, red apple and a dash of spice toward the cohesive finish. The growing season advantaged the whites over the reds and, although I am not sure about the longevity of this white, it will definitely give pleasure over the next decade.
The 2021 Pape Clement Blanc shows the tension and cut that this vintage could bring to dry white Bordeaux. Exhibiting aromas of gooseberries, nectarine, confit citrus and pastry cream, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy but incisive, with a textural attack and a bright, saline finish. It's a blend of 72% Sauvignon Blanc, only 22% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 1% Muscadelle.
