2012 Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc
I need to admit that I did not write much for the past 3
years as I’m not tasting as often as I used to and cannot find the time to
scribble my sporadic notes anymore, but it is killing me as I love writing and
more especially sharing about wine and other experiences like the following one.
What triggered the need to write this little post is a
bottle sipped daily over a week by one of my colleagues (while left into a
fridge in between) which still tasted surprisingly good after all that time. It
was not just good, in fact, I was very impressed.
She was just having her lunch at her desk at the office and I
realized she was sipping a glass of white with her shrimp and fish homemade
dish. Curious, I approached her and asked if I could try the wine. She aware me
that it had been opened for about a week already and was probably not very good;
which aroused my Sommelier’s curiosity even more.
She poured me a glass and bringing it to my nose, my rusty olfactory
memories awakened and led the way to the exercise of deduction and dissection
that each tasting, blind or not, is. The aromas gently brushed my nostrils to
find their way to my bulb wriggling at the idea of being used once again after
so long.
Vibrant white floral and citrusy aromas, like grapefruit and
lime, mingled with unripe stone fruit and gooseberry notes, discreet vegetal
nuances and a hint of mineral zest. Pretty good so far for one week old wine
that has been opened and closed and went back and forth from the fridge quite a
few times.
Although it had many occasions to get acquainted with air in
the last few days, I still gave it a few swirls in the glass, by habits maybe
but mainly because it seemed so fresh like if the cork was just removed moments
ago.
My taste buds resounded with joyful agitation when the
bright and refreshing liquid caressed them on his way to the back of the palate
before disappearing in my throat, quenching my thirst for exiting wine and enhancing
my knowledge and skills trough such an interesting experience.
Well balanced and harmonious, crisp and light, showing structure
and texture complemented by great enhancing acidity lingering in the finish,
this wine, reintroducing flavors in the palate reminiscent of the aromas on the
nose, was beautifully crafted and surprisingly rewarding even after being
uncorcked a week earlier.
A smile enlightened my face as the distinguished scallop
shell of Chateau Carbonnieux appeared to my eyes wide opened ready to unveil
the mystery of which producer could have crafted such wine that could resist
time and repeated contacts with oxygen with no signs of oxidation after a week.
I was impressed. I always loved Chateau Carbonnieux, but loved
it even more after this experience. Definitely recommended to keep a few of
this gem in your cellar, it will effortlessly complement any fish and shellfish
dish accompanied with creamy sauce, as well as summery salads and goat cheeses.
Love it.
I had the chance to taste and buy and drink and sell loads
of bottles of Carbonnieux Blanc in my 23 years career in direct relation with wine
either in restaurant, like in the mid 90s as a Chef de Rang/Maitre D’/Commis
Sommelier at the “Relais de Compostelle” in Pessac where it was a “figure de
proue” of our wine list mostly featuring the jewels of the Pessac-Leognan
Appellation for years; then later as Sommelier/ Head Sommelier / Wine buyer in
England in 3 restaurants; then in New York in two boutique stores where I was
working in as Head Sommelier / Wine Buyer while managing the store…and even now
as a regular buyer.
I also had the chance to meet the humble Perrin family many
times in numerous occasions; they are as lovely, gentle and charming as their
wines. Late Anthony Perrin was a great man for whom I had much respect and Eric
is the one that I now talk to mostly when he is behind the table during tasting
telling the story of his wines, he is so approachable and friendly.
I previously wrote a little post on Haut-Vigneau that you
can also read here: http://www.ledomduvin.com/2010/11/2008-chateau-haut-vigneau-pessac.html
Cheers
LeDom du Vin
