Château Pape Clément blanc 2011

Wineadvocate

The 2011 Blanc is a blend of 40% Sauvignon, 35% Semillon, 16% Sauvignon Gris and 9% Muscadelle cropped at 30hl/ha in successive tries between 30th August and 15th September. It has a well-defined bouquet with scents of grapefruit, lime flower, vanilla pod and a touch of guava that is nicely contained and focused. The palate has a well balanced entry that displays fine weight in the mouth. The oak is a little obtrusive at the moment but it will meld together with bottle age. There are attractive notes of grapefruit, bitter lemon and white peach with fine minerality. This is an excellent Pessac Blanc.

Vinous

Green-tinged straw. Green fig, lime, anise and chlorophyll aromas show a slightly candied quality and a strong vanillin oak component. Bright and fresh in the mouth, with lime and green fig flavors gaining in precision and cut with aeration. Complicating notes of banana cream pie and hazelnut add complexity and depth. Finishes very long and suave, if currently a bit stunted by the strong oak presence. This needs time: forget about it in the cellar for another four or five years. - 07/2014