Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan White 2023

The Perrin family (distant cousins to the Perrins of the Rhône Valley’s Château de Beaucastel) purchased this classified château in 1956. Today the estate, situated in the Martillac sector of Pessac-Léognan, encompasses 500 acres, with half under vine, split nearly equally between red and white grapes. The late Denis Dubourdieu helped put the Perrins’ white wine production on the right path starting in 1988, recognizing not only the potential for quality, but a need to rejigger the vineyard. A devastating frost in 1991 provided the impetus to replant white grapevines on the cooler, north-facing side of the property, where limestone and clay soils dominate. Farming has been pesticide- and herbicide-free for almost 20 years, further helping this Sauvignon Blanc–Sémillon blend reach the top ranks of white Bordeaux.

Tasting Note

This crackles with tarragon, fleur de sel, oyster shell and lemon pith notes that ripple throughout, while a steady core of yuzu and mirabelle plum moves through. Live-wire acidity keeps everything focused and mouthwatering. Lovely. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2033. 10,800 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.—James Molesworth