The 2016 Pape Clement Blanc is a remarkable white wine hailing from the esteemed Pessac Leognan region in Bordeaux, France. With its elegant label and enticing golden hue, this wine embodies sophistication and refinement. This Bordeaux Blanc is a blend of 48.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 38.5% Semillon, 7.5% Sauvignon Gris, and 5.5% Muscadelle, resulting in a complex and harmonious composition.
Upon pouring, the aromas of melon, pear, and white peach immediately captivate the senses. Subtle hints of candied lemon and vanilla add depth and intrigue. The bouquet exudes freshness and vitality, inviting you to take your first sip.
On the palate, the 2016 Pape Clement Blanc showcases its concentrated flavors with finesse and grace. The sleek silhouette of this wine glides effortlessly across the tongue, leaving a lasting impression. The finish is superb, displaying vibrant acidity that suggests the potential for long-term aging.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 95, praising its freshness and undeniable appeal. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, also bestowed a score of 95+, emphasizing the wine's precision, depth, and fantastic layers of citrus and stone fruit flavors.
Vinous, another respected publication, awarded the 2016 Pape Clement Blanc a score of 93. They describe it as soft, silky, and open-knit, with notes of white flowers, mint, lemon confit, melon, and a touch of honey. This brightness and vibrancy make it one of the standout whites of the year.
Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 94, noting its creamy texture and alluring flavors of brioche, white peach, and wet straw. Wine Enthusiast also gave it a score of 94, highlighting the lush yellow fruits layered with wood and spice, as well as its generous and full-bodied texture.
Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, praised the 2016 Pape Clement Blanc for its honeysuckle, sweet yellow citrus, and vanilla flavors. He also noted its fleshy and fresh characteristics, suggesting that it will drink well young.
Vinous awarded this wine a score of 91, mentioning its slightly deeper color and well-balanced palate with a twist of sour lemon on the finish. Neal Martin believes that it will continue to develop over the next 12 years.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, was particularly impressed with the 2016 Pape Clement Blanc, awarding it a score of 98. He described it as one of the most concentrated, deep, and full-bodied whites of the vintage. He noted beautiful notes of white grapefruit, Meyer lemon, crushed rocks, and exotic flowers, and suggested that this wine would benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and could age for two decades or more.
Decanter, in their review, noted a wisp of reduction on the first nose, which then gave way to great stone fruit flavors and a fleshiness through the mid-palate. They believe this wine will take its time to fully reveal its potential and that the red counterpart from this vintage is the true standout.
Overall, the 2016 Pape Clement Blanc is a wine of exceptional quality. Its complex aromas, concentrated flavors, and elegant finish make it a standout among white Bordeaux wines. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is a true gem from the Bordeaux region.