Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc Pessac Leognan 2023
(Bordeaux, France) - [WE 96] [WS 95 & #8 Top 100 of 2026] [JS 94] [DM 93] [WA 92]

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About the Wine:
One of the most ancient winegrowing estates in Bordeaux, Chateau Carbonnieux has made wine without interruption since the 13th century. The chateau itself is an impressive building dating from the 14th century that had as many as twelve towers at one time. The first owners- and accomplished winegrowers- were the Benedictine monks of Sainte Croix abbey in Bordeaux who made internationally-renowned red and white wines centuries ago. They also succeeded in introducing their pale-colored, crystal-clear white wine to the palace of the Sultan of Constantinople by labelling it "Mineral Water of Carbonnieux" to get around the prohibition against alcoholic beverages. For over 50 years, Carbonnieux has belonged to the Perrin family, winegrowers from father to son since the early 19th century. Located on the highest point in the commune of Leognan, on soil that is perfectly drained by a stream called L'eau Blanche.

The 2023 vintage was marked by weather conditions relatively in line with long-term averages, both variable and moderate. The arrival of high temperatures at the end of summer allowed optimal ripening. Work focused on the careful selection of harvest dates for each plot.

The wine has a pale yellow color. The nose reveals floral aromas such as lilac and hawthorn, followed after aeration by fruity notes of lemon, grapefruit, and passion fruit. On the palate, the attack is fresh, supported by crisp acidity; the dense, fleshy finish is marked by citrus notes.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
“The grapefruit and honey aromas of this wine are echoed in its crisp and rounded textures. It is ripe with apple and spice flavors, the wood aging subtly in the background. Drink from 2027.” – Roger Voss (May 2025)

95 Points, Rank #8 Top 100 Wines of 2026 - Wine Spectator:
“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. 2,000 cases imported.” – James Molesworth (May 2026)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac. Drink now." (Dec 2025)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Sauvignon aromatics – green apple and elderflower with lemon zest. Clean and lively on the palate, a good dose of creamy but also bright lemon with a touch of bitter orange around the edges. Ends cool and stony with some peach. Feels well made." – Georgina Hindle (Feb 2026)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
“Notes of white fruits, confit citrus, herbs and menthol emerge from the 2023 Blanc from Carbonnieux, a moderately weighted, elegant and sappy, enveloping and juicy wine with lot of freshness and a long, saline finish. This is a classic at this address and a real effort in the context of the vintage.” – Yohan Castaing (Apr 2026)

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“A classic, impeccably balanced white, the 2023 Château Carbonnieux Blanc sports a medium gold hue as well as ripe citrus and stone fruits intermixed with minty herbs and a kiss of minerality. Based on 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Sémillon and brought up 10 months on the lees in 70% French oak barrels (20% new) with the balance in 30- and 55-hectoliter wooden vats, it's medium-bodied and has a clean, focused mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It will shine on the dinner table over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036.” (Mar 2026)