2016 Pape-Clement Blanc (Pessac-Leognan)

The 2016 Pape Clement Blanc is a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon that was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare between 12-27 September. It has quite an understated bouquet, stony and a little distant at first but then opening up with lime flower, kiwi fruit and a touch of limestone. The palate is fresh on the entry, the Sauvignon Blanc driving this Pape Clement along, perhaps less flamboyant and viscous in style than previous vintages, but I appreciate the tautness and delineation here, the persistent and slightly saline finish. This is excellent. 92-94 points

Oak is still a big part of the story with Pape Clement`s white wine, but the change comes in the introduction of a variety of barrel sizes and origins, including an increase in Burgundian barrels. They have wisely kept the signature round, citrus notes that long term fans of Pape Clement will be looking for, but as with the reds the overall feel is of a more sculpted, fragrant wine than in some previous vintages. o be honest, 2016 was not an easy vintage to dial things back, as the mid-palate can feel a touch hollow due to lacking the gripping minerality of the best vintages. But they have delivered an extremely successful wine, with rose and honeysuckle touches adding layers of complexity to the soft citrus flavours. Enjoyable. 91 points

This is always made in a rich, toasty, showy style that’s appealing right out of the blocks, and that’s certainly true here. Smoky, leesy, beeswax and lemon rind flavours are supported by vivid acidity. Drink 2017-22. 93 points

The 2016 Pape Clément Blanc is rich and inviting to the core. A wine of notable depth and viscosity, it nevertheless retains striking freshness and verve. In 2016, a challenging year for whites, most wines are missing something, most often freshness or body. Pape Clément Blanc, on the other hand, has it all. The 2016 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. 92-95 points