2019 Clos Floridene Blanc

The 2019 Clos Floridène Blanc is one of the benchmark dry white wines of Graves, produced by the renowned Denis and Florence Dubourdieu family. Located in Pujols-sur-Ciron, Clos Floridène has earned an outstanding reputation for crafting precise, age-worthy white Bordeaux that combine richness with remarkable freshness. The 2019 vintage, produced from a blend dominated by Sauvignon Blanc with Sémillon, benefited from a warm growing season that delivered concentration without sacrificing the vibrant acidity that defines great Graves Blanc.

The nose is beautifully expressive, revealing grapefruit, lemon curd and white peach alongside notes of acacia blossom, fresh herbs, flint and subtle smoky minerality. The palate is vibrant yet textured, combining citrus and stone fruit flavours with bright acidity and impressive depth. Layers of crushed stone, beeswax and gentle oak complexity emerge through a long, precise finish. James Suckling awarded the wine 94 points, while Wine Advocate praised its purity, tension and ageing potential. Despite its youthful freshness, the wine already displays the complexity and refinement for which Clos Floridène is famous.

Ben’s Recommendation:
A superb example of premium white Bordeaux and one of the best-value wines in Graves. Fresh, mineral and beautifully balanced, it pairs wonderfully with oysters, scallops, lobster, grilled fish, roast chicken and goat’s cheese. Drinking beautifully now, but it has the structure and concentration to evolve gracefully through 2032–2038, developing additional honeyed, nutty complexity with age.