2022 Pape Clement Blanc (Pessac-Leognan)

A blend of 63% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon and 2% Muscadelle, the 2022 Pape Clement Blanc exhibits aromas of spices, spring flowers, lemon, peach and hints of jasmine and grapefruit. The palate is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and satiny, with an oaky frame. The finish is long, persistent and elegantly spicy. 90-93 points

If you had to pick one wine that would not be afraid of the excess of the vintage, it would be Pape Clement, and certainly here they have leaned into it without being overpowered. Plenty of citrus, lemon curd, white peach and sage. Structured also, with great balance within the estate signature, helped by an attractive bitter edge on the finish. 35hl/h yield, harvest August 28 to September 2. Tasted twice. 93 points

The 2022 Pape Clement Blanc is a very pretty, exotic white. Drops of Muscadelle in the blend add a very pretty hint of jasmine and lime to play off the richer, riper flavors on the palate. The 2022 offers lovely density and creaminess, with plenty of orchard fruit, marzipan and chamomile flavors, yet also remains light on its feet and wonderfully fresh. Tasted three times. 93-95 points

The 2022 Pape Clement Blanc was cropped at 35hL/ha between 28 August and 2 September and matured in under 20% new oak. It is very fragrant on the nose, with lemon verbena, white peach and honeysuckle scents. Really fine definition and sense of focus. The palate is well balanced, a little steelier and more linear than recent vintages with plenty of tension on the saline finish. This should age well in bottle. 92-94 points