Review: Chateau Carbonnieux 2008 Blanc
- vinterest
- Apr 28, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Chateau Carbonnieux is another renowned Pessac Leognan estate with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. This is the 3rd Pessac Leognan blanc we have recently opened alongside the Chateau Olivier 2010 and the Esprit de Chevalier 2008. The Perrin family have been tending this 92 ha under vine domaine for the last 60 years - these are different Perrins to those of Beaucastel/Miraval fame.
Pessac Leognan is one of the rare Bordeaux AOPs that produce fine red and white wines. The appellation is located between the Garonne river and a pine tree forest. The trees assist in creating the unique, micro climate of the commune by protecting the vines from humidity and wind. The AOP was spun out of Graves in 1987, relatively recently for Bordeaux. Essentially this came about through pressure from Pessac Leognan growers who wished to disassociate themselves from growers with predominately sandy soils further south in Graves.
The blend is 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon, unlike the almost 50/50 "SSB" of the Espirit de Chevalier. 42 ha of the 92 ha under vine are dedicated to their white blend producing 15,000 cases a year. By comparison, Chateau Olivier produces 6,000 cases a year.
We picked this up at Le Clos for 38 Euros.
The take: A brilliant gold appearance, highly transparent. A nose of musty, bitter grapefruit and creamy banana. The attack is smooth, flesh and light - showing age. Dry, a little oxidized with nutty flavours. Creamy. Hints of banana and coconut on the palate too but definitely not sweet. Unique! We like.
In closing: Dry, unique, mature.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Pessac-Leognan (AOC) Grand Cru Classe
Producer: Chateau Carbonnieux
Vintage: 2008
Grape: Sauvignon blanc, semillon
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Serving temperature: 10-12° C
Price range: Mid-range
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