Château Carbonnieux Blanc 2025

Château Carbonnieux is a classified estate in Pessac-Léognan, the leading appellation for dry white Bordeaux, on the gravel soils south of the city. The blend is Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, the classic Bordeaux white pairing, grown on deep beds of gravel and sand that drain freely, force the vines to root deep and reflect heat back into the canopy to aid ripening. The wine is barrel fermented and aged for ten months in oak, the traditional method here, and this cellar work defines the style. Barrel fermentation and extended lees contact, with the lees stirred through ageing, build a creamy, layered texture and a savoury depth, while the oak adds toast, vanilla and a light spice through slow oxygen exchange. Sémillon lends body and a waxy, honeyed weight that fills out Sauvignon Blanc's citrus and cut, and the combination is built to age. It shows pale gold in the glass, with lemon, grapefruit and white peach over toast, beeswax and a faint smoky note. The palate is full and textured, the oak and lees weight balanced by the gravel-driven acidity, finishing long and mineral. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a broad glass. It suits richer fish and shellfish.