Enclos De Carbonnieux Bordeaux Blanc 20

Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest venerable producers in the Pessac-Léognan AOC and a veritable poster child of classic old-school Bordeaux. Founded in the 13th century by Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Sainte-Croix de Bordeaux, the estate's name is an homage to the Carbonnieu family, the first stewards of this grand Château. The estate's architectural style strongly alludes to its rich historical heritage, sporting a stunning Perigordian-style Château with a grand inner courtyard reminiscent of its medieval beginnings.

The estate winds across 100 hectares of vineyards on a gravel slope that provides excellent drainage, perfect for growing Bordeaux varietals. The estate is a standout in Bordeaux for its fierce dedication to sustainability; Château Carbonnieux recently earned the High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3 certification, considered the highest level of environmentally friendly and biodiverse practices in viticulture.

Although not included in the original 1855 classification (Château Haut Brion was the only estate included from Graves,) Château Carbonnieux's status was elevated to Grand Cru Classé de Graves in the 1959 reclassification of Graves. This recognition cemented the estate's well-deserved reputation, and today, their wines continue to grace the wine lists of starred restaurants around the globe.

When exploring top-tier Bordeaux, my advice is always to drill down to the property's entry-level tier, and you'll discover superb wines at a great price point. The beauty of this strategy is that the quality and integrity of the property's top-tier trickles right down to the entry-level, although at a much friendlier price. L'Enclos de Carbonnieux Blanc is a perfect example of this entry-level strategy.

L'Enclos de Carbonnieux Blanc is blended from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, showcasing the estate's finely tuned prowess with both varietals. In the glass, it telegraphs the quality and finesse of the Château's winemaking tradition, providing a glimpse into the depth and complexity of the estate's top-tier offerings at a wallet-friendly price.

In your glass, L'Enclos de Carbonnieux Blanc presents enticing aromas of citrus, white peach, and delicate floral notes, with hints of minerality that reflect its gravel and limestone terroir. This classic old-school White Bordeaux is crisp and refreshing on the palate, exuding zesty citrus, green apple, and a relaxed touch of honey, framed by generous lift and a smooth, lingering finish.

We love L'Enclos de Carbonnieux Blanc with all the classic White Bordeaux pairings, notably shellfish, grilled white-fleshed fish, and light poultry dishes. For outside-the-box pairings, try it with sushi, ceviche, or even a tangy goat cheese salad. The wine's deft balance of fruit and lift also pairs well with spicy Asian dishes, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the bold flavors.