Pape Clement Blanc 2018 (750ML)

95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Blanc is a blend of 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sémillon and 4% Muscadelle. It was aged for around 14 months in 55% new and 45% second-fill French oak barrels. It races out of the gate with flamboyant scents of pineapple upside-down cake, lemon meringue pie and honey-drizzled peaches, plus suggestions of orange blossoms and yuzu peel. The medium to full-bodied palate has a decadent touch of oiliness to the texture with loads of spicy sparks to the tropical fruit layers, finishing long with a refreshing burst of zestiness. It's a richer expression, for sure, but it really works and it is seriously scrumptious." 03/21

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Pape-Clément Blanc offers attractive scents of white flower, honeysuckle, tangerine and yellow plum that gently gains intensity with aeration. The palate is well balanced on the entry, displaying a waxy texture, but then it loses a little tension toward the finish. Nutty and smoky, quite forward and just missing the energy conveyed by the aromatics." 03/21

90-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Pape Clément Blanc is laced with white flowers, mint, passion fruit, apricot and chamomile. Here, too, the more restrained style that is typical at the estate these days is very much in evidence. The blend is 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sémillon and 4% Muscadelle, all fermented in oak, including larger 500-liter and 10HL foudres. Larger format oak adds an element of tension and brightness that is super intriguing." 4/19

98 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Beautiful aromas of lime curd, dried pear, grilled white peach and flint on the nose. So exotic on the nose. Some cream and honey, too. It’s medium-bodied with bright, tangy acidity. Creamy and focused with lingering dried-citrus and crushed-gravel notes. Long. Drink or hold." 01/21

96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "A beauty from the start, with shortbread, acacia and honeysuckle details leading the way, quickly followed by fennel, tarragon, salted butter and lemon peel notes. Long, focused finish is carried by superfine acidity that puts everything in perfect lock step. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Best from 2022 through 2030." 03/21

91 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "As ever, oak barrel influence giving intensity to the peach and mango. High alcohol, staying true to the house style, but with attractive acidity underneath. This is sweet and rich but with a biting lift." 4/15

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "This estate has fashioned a pretty, elegant white in the vintage. Light gold-hued, with lots of pineapple, lemon curd, white flowers, and a touch of honeyed citrus and chalky minerality, the 2018 Château Pape Clement Blanc hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, solid depth of fruit, and a great finish. It doesn't match recent great vintages, but it's a balanced, layered, outstanding white to enjoy over the coming decade or so." 03/21