The 2018 Blanc is a blend of 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sémillon and 4% Muscadelle. It was aged for around 14 months in 55% new and 45% second-fill French oak barrels. It races out of the gate with flamboyant scents of pineapple upside-down cake, lemon meringue pie and honey-drizzled peaches, plus suggestions of orange blossoms and yuzu peel. The medium to full-bodied palate has a decadent touch of oiliness to the texture with loads of spicy sparks to the tropical fruit layers, finishing long with a refreshing burst of zestiness. It's a richer expression, for sure, but it really works and it is seriously scrumptious.

Due to be bottled December 2019, the 2018 Pape Clément Blanc has a fresh bouquet with nectarine, frangipane, crushed stone and pressed white flower scents, just a touch of gravel in the background. The palate is very well balanced with a fine line of acidity, more saline than previous vintages with touches of walnut and smoke towards the precise finish. Excellent.

The 2018 Pape Clément Blanc is laced with white flowers, mint, passion fruit, apricot and chamomile. Here, too, the more restrained style that is typical at the estate these days is very much in evidence. The blend is 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sémillon and 4% Muscadelle, all fermented in oak, including larger 500-liter and 10HL foudres. Larger format oak adds an element of tension and brightness that is super intriguing.