In the glass

Full-bodiedHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: pink grapefruit, Bosc pear, lime blossom, white peach, chalk

Palate: citrus zest, mineral, honeydew melon, fresh herbs, toasted brioche

A classified Graves white from one of Bordeaux's most historic estates. Sauvignon Blanc leads with fresh pink grapefruit and lime blossom; Semillon adds body and Sauvignon Gris a distinctive floral note. 100% new oak fermentation produces a rich, mineral, long-lived dry white.

What it pairs with

  • Oysters en gelee
    The wine's mineral salinity and citrus precision are the archetypal complement to briny Bordeaux oysters.
  • Grilled sea bass with fennel
    Herbal fennel and delicate fish amplify the wine's citrus and herbal notes; high acidity cleanses the palate.
  • Goat's cheese bruschetta with honey
    Sauvignon Blanc's classic partnership with goat's cheese; honey mirrors the wine's hint of roundness from Semillon.
  • Sauteed langoustines with herb butter
    Sweet crustacean and herbed butter find a perfect counterpoint in grapefruit acidity and white flower aromatics.

History

White wine production at Pape Clement was significantly expanded and elevated under Bernard Magrez from 1985 onward. The white grand vin is a classified Graves white recognised since the 1959 Graves classification update. Production tripled after Magrez's investment in white-wine winemaking equipment.

  1. 1959 — Pape Clement Blanc recognised in the Graves white wine classification
  2. 1985 — Bernard Magrez acquires estate; white wine winemaking investment begins

Facts

Producer
Chateau Pape Clement
Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc (50%), Semillon (43%), Sauvignon Gris (7%)
Classification
Cru Classe de Graves (white); Pessac-Leognan AOC
Oak
100% new French oak; 12 months on lees; barrel-fermented
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 80-120 at retail
Drinking window
5-15 from vintage
First vintage
1980

Scores

  • Wine Advocate 95 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2023)
  • Wine Advocate 95 (2024 vintage, reviewed 2025)

Tags

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