2018 Château Carbonnieux Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Carbonnieux Blanc felt very reduced when I tasted it from barrel. This bottled example is better, presenting a more open nose with less of the burnt match character, though that still lurks in the background. The palate is still rather jarring, however, and here there is a very reduced element, a little egginess that occludes the finish. I have drunk many fine white Carbonnieux in the past, but something just seems awry here. For now, I can only put a question mark instead of any score.
Critic scores
James Suckling
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The top white, the 2018 Château Carbonnieux Blanc is largely Sauvignon with around one-quarter Sémillon. Lots of ripe lemon, leafy herb, rocky mineral, and a hint of white grapefruit emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with bright yet integrated acidity and a great finish. It's an outstanding, complex, interesting white that should have 4-6 years of prime drinking, probably longer.
The 2018 Carbonnieux Blanc has just enough richness to almost hide the green vegetal notes that afflict this vintage. Angular contours reappear on the finish leaving no doubt as to the challenging and awkward nature of this wine.
About the producer
This estate is one of Bordeaux’s oldest, with vines planted here since at least the 13th century. Over three generations, the Perrin family has completely renovated the estate and raised quality here significantly.