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. 01/2022

The 2019 Pape Clément Blanc is aged in French oak barrels and concrete eggs. The nose offers delicate scents of wild peach and Nashi pear, opening to reveal hints of apricot blossom; a light chamomile aroma emerges with time. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, with a fine bead of acidity, good weight and a judicious touch of spice on the finish. Excellent. 12/2021

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. 04/2022

Couleur claire, aux reflets jaunes. Nez intense, fin, au fruité très mûr, bien plus que les crus de Léognan, avec un fond mentholé. Bouche grasse dès l’attaque, évoluant fondante, avec du corps, du goût et pour la première fois une nuance de sauvignon qui marque un peu la finale. Longueur normale. 06/2020

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. 02/2022