Château Clos Floridene Blanc, Graves, FR, 2023

Expert scores (2023 vintage)

• Neal Martin (Vinous) – 92 points
  Describes a “pretty and delicate” wine with lemon oil, chamomile, chalk, slate, and white flowers. Notes a crystalline, mineral-driven profile with good aging potential (to around 2036).
• Antonio Galloni (Vinous) – 92 points
  Highlights citrus peel, white flowers, slate, and dried herbs. Characterized as precise, chiseled, and mineral-focused with a long, refined finish.
• Jane Anson – 93 points
  Praises its energy, precision, and classical Graves expression. Considers it one of the more complete white wines of the vintage in its category.
• Falstaff – 91–93 points
  Notes apple, floral, and honeyed aromas with saline minerality and an elegant, persistent finish.
• Aggregated trade consensus – 91–93 points
  Multiple en primeur and trade tastings cluster in this range, showing strong agreement among critics.

Trade and guide commentary

• Guide Hachette des Vins – “Vin très réussi” (1 star)
  Describes a tension-driven, mineral style with citrus, floral, and subtle menthol notes. Emphasizes balance and aging potential.
• Additional trade notes consistently describe the wine as structured, fresh, and mineral-driven, typical of high-quality Graves Blanc.

Consensus tasting profile

Across professional reviews, the 2023 Clos Floridène Blanc is consistently described as:

• Style: Classic Graves Blanc (Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend with subtle oak influence)
• Aromatics: Lemon, grapefruit, white flowers, chamomile, light honey, and flinty notes
• Palate:
  • Strong mineral backbone (chalk, slate, flint)
  • Bright but controlled acidity
  • Medium body with a slightly creamy texture
• Finish: Saline, precise, slightly smoky or fumé
• Overall character: Elegant, restrained, and structured rather than overtly fruity

Overall professional assessment

• Score range: 91–93 points
• Quality level: Upper-tier Graves Blanc
• Style: Mineral-driven, restrained, and age-worthy rather than aromatic or fruit-forward
• Drinking window: Approximately 2025–2035+, depending on preference

Bottom line

Critics are broadly aligned that Château Clos Floridène Blanc 2023 is a serious, classically styled Graves white wine with precision, minerality, and aging potential. It is valued more for structure and balance than intensity or exuberance.