Bright straw. Lively aromas and flavors of fresh citrus fruit and white flowers are complicated by nuances of custard cream, vanilla bean and fresh herbs. Builds nicely in concentration and complexity in the mouth, finishing with lingering bright acidity that does not hide the wine's underlying opulent mouthfeel.

The 2013 Pape Clement Blanc does not quite deliver the precision of the Smith-Haut-Lafitte Blanc 2013 this year, the oak is still quite pronounced and eroding some of the detail. The palate is well balanced with lime and citrus peel on the entry, hints of toffee apple emerging towards the finish that, again, feels a little oaky. I was hoping for more after the commendable 2013 Pape Clement Rouge, though it still might appeal to those who like their white Bordeaux with a hedonistic bent.

Hints of melon and pear with subtle tropical pineapple notes infuse the 2013 Pape Clément Blanc. The flavors are very much on the bright side of the spectrum, but the texture is a bit softer than one might expect. A textured finish supported by French oak rounds things out nicely. Tasted three times.