Château Carbonnieux Blanc 1982 - Pessac-Léognan - Graves

Presentation of the domain

Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest estates in Graves, founded in the 13th century. Classified as a Grand Cru de Graves since 1959, it is renowned for its great white wines for aging. The vineyard stretches over gravelly soils perfectly suited to growing Sauvignon and Sémillon.

Presentation of the vintage and the appellation

This Grand Vin de Graves white is made from a classic Bordeaux blend, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, with a portion of Sémillon. Vinified for aging, it embodies the typical characteristics of Bordeaux's great dry whites, combining freshness, aromatic complexity, and a silky texture. The Graves appellation is renowned for its ability to produce whites that are as elegant as they are structured.

Presentation of the 1982 vintage

The 1982 vintage is exceptional in Bordeaux, with ideal weather that allowed for optimal ripeness. For dry whites, this is a rare vintage with remarkable aging potential, offering wines of great complexity today.

Tasting Notes March 2025

This 1982 has a surprisingly clear and limpid color. The nose is elegant and expressive, with aromas of yellow flowers (mimosa), candied citrus, and beeswax. On the palate, the wine retains a beautiful liveliness, driven by fresh acidity and a very distinctive saline finish. The aromatic evolution is very original, with a surprising youthfulness for its age.

Bottle condition

• Level: Perfect
• Label: Very beautiful, very slightly patinated
• Color: Clear and little evolved, a sign of excellent conservation
• Clear glass bottle (not tinted)

Food and wine pairings

• Pan-fried scallops with citrus butter
• Hard matured cheeses (Comté, Parmesan)
• Roast poultry or veal stew

Serving tips

• Serving temperature: 10 to 12°C
• Aeration: 30 minutes in a carafe recommended
• Aging potential: Drink now

WUAT Note

White wines over 10 years old are always a challenge to taste, especially those in transparent bottles, like this Château Carbonnieux. However, a clear, limpid color after more than 40 years is a near-certain sign of impeccable preservation. However, even the best conditions don't guarantee the absence of oxidation. This is the charm—and the risk—of these rare tastings.