Château Clarke Le Merle Blanc 2022 is a rare white Bordeaux from the Médoc, crafted from the estate’s four traditional white grape varieties. Produced since 1890, this historic cuvée reflects the timeless elegance of Château Clarke’s heritage. The 2022 vintage opens with aromas of flint, chopped apple, vanilla, and fresh herbs. Sleek and mineral on the palate, it offers a medium body and a crisp, refreshing finish. A refined and distinctive white that captures both the character of its terroir and the finesse of the Rothschild winemaking tradition.

Wine Enthusiast | WE 92
Published: Jan 7, 2024

White-peach and lychee aromas mingle with toast from wood aging. The wine's blend with 70% Sauvignon Blanc alongside Sémillon Gris, Muscadelle and Sémillon has ripe flavors of apricots and pear with the richness of the vintage. Drink this wine now. — Roger Voss

Decanter | D 91
Published: Mar 14, 2023
Drink: 2024-2030

Crisp, round, lively but also quite creamy giving more of a gourmet, calm tone to this than overly acidity and racy. Feels confident with peach and apricot fruit and a gentle cool freshness throughout. Still on the shy side, just hinting at its potential but offering glimmers of precision, fruit purity and lovely salty minerality. Eric Boissenot consultant.

James Suckling | JS 90
Published: Jan 12, 2024

Flint, chopped apples, vanilla and herbs on the nose. It’s sleek and mineral with a medium body and a fresh finish. Drink now.

Edmondderothschildheritage.com

A SUPERB WINE MADE FROM THE FOURWHITE BORDEAUX GRAPE VARIETIES
Chateau Clarke is one of the rare vineyards in the Medoc that produce a white wine. The Merle Blanc is part of the history and heritage of the Chateau, as it has been produced since the late 19th century (1890). Highly respected and renowned, it has accounted for up to a quarter of the Chateau's production. Today, this rare wine fits perfectly into the spirit of the estate.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: 60% of the blend aged for 6 months in French oak, with approximately 50% new oak
Varietals: 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Gris, 10% Muscadelle
Soil: Clay and limestone
Ageing: 6 months in French oak for approximately 60% of the blend
Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Total Acidity: 4.6 g/L
Winemaker: Château Clarke / Baron Edmond de Rothschild
Region: Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc

Serving Temperature: 8–10°C
Decanting: Not normally required; 10–15 minutes in the glass can help it open
Drinking Window: 2024–2030
Food Pairing: Oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, seafood, ceviche, white-fleshed fish, poultry with vegetables and goat cheese