PAPE CLEMENT Blanc 2021

Exotic melon, subtle tropical fruits, spice, and some minty herb notes all emerge from the 2021 Château Pape Clément Blanc, a bright, lively, medium-bodied white hat has good overall concentration, integrated yet high acidity, and a great finish. I slightly overrated this from barrel, but this is nevertheless a beautiful Bordeaux Blanc. The blend is 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon.

Bottled the previous January, the 2021 Pape-Clément Blanc is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. This has a brisk and lively bouquet with Golden Delicious, persimmon and white peach scents, well-defined and notably focused. The palate is well-balanced with a fresh entry and a pleasant "bite" of acidity, revealing notes of Anjou pear, red apple and a dash of spice toward the cohesive finish. The growing season advantaged the whites over the reds and, although I am not sure about the longevity of this white, it will definitely give pleasure over the next decade.

Aromas of candied lemons, sliced dried apples and some stone. Also hints of celery. Medium body, dried pears and apples on the palate. Lots of gun metal and matchstick character. Crisp acidity. Give this time to develop in the bottle. Drink after 2027.

The 2021 Pape Clément Blanc shows the tension and cut that this vintage could bring to dry white Bordeaux. Exhibiting aromas of gooseberries, nectarine, confit citrus and pastry cream, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy but incisive, with a textural attack and a bright, saline finish. It's a blend of 72% Sauvignon Blanc, only 22% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 1% Muscadelle.