Pape Clement Blanc 2019 (750ML)

91 Points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate: "Bursting with aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, tropical fruits and fresh bread, Pape Clément's 2019 Blanc is medium to full-bodied, bright and vibrant, its elegantly fleshy core of fruit animated by lively acids and chalky dry extract that lends pleasing grip to the finish. This is a seamless, refreshing Sauvignon-dominated (in percentage as well as personality) blend that is drinking well out of the gates. Though this derives from a warm terroir in a warm vintage, that's not especially evident, and this is far less unctuous and overtly oaky than was the case a decade ago. Equally, though it can't be faulted in terms of haut couture winemaking, the lack of yesteryear's pronounced signature reveals a wine that's just a little simple." 04/22

91-93 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2019 Pape Clément Blanc has an attractive bouquet with scents of caramelised pear, peach skin and light waxy aromas. As usual, the oak is a little more prominent here compared to its peers. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, subtle guava and lychee notes on the entry, perhaps even a little Muscat towards the finish. I would have just liked more complexity and mineralité to be expressed on the aftertaste. Tasted twice." 6/20

92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2019 Pape Clément Blanc is a hard wine to read. In 2019, the Blanc is rather airy and ethereal, which is to say quite different from the more unctuous style Bernard Magrez once favored here. At the same time, though, the wine also feels disjointed and a bit elusive. I admire its freshness and energy, and yet also wish it had a bit more depth." 02/22

Aromas of green apple, lime, kumquat, fresh thyme, flint, stone and oyster shell. It’s medium-bodied with tangy acidity and a saline, mineral and zesty palate. Vibrant and intense. So much energy and freshness. Lots of vivid acidity. Tight at the end. Give this another three to four years of bottle.

94 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Finely balanced between richly textured and restrained savoury white pear and citrus fruits. Walks the line between the two, far more successful to my taste than it did perhaps a decade ago, when this was a bigger style of white. You can clearly tell that this has impact and confidence, but it is beautifully complex and well-put together. Fermented in barrel, large sized oak casks and (15%) in cement egg-shaped vats. Harvest August 30 to September 12. Consultant Michel Rolland. Tasted twice two weeks apart." 5/20

94-96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "Always up with the top whites in a vintage, the 2019 Château Pape Clement Blanc sports a light gold hue to go with an exotic bouquet of honeyed grapefruit, citrus, flowers, and brioche. It's beautifully done, medium to full-bodied, and has bright acidity and a great finish. It's a terrific, complex, layered white." 6/20