Clos des Lunes Sauternes Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Clos des Lunes

Learn everything about Clos des Lunes Bordeaux with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Clos des Lunes History, Overview

Clos des Lunes made its formal debut with the 2012 vintage after the land was purchased from the Castel group. At the time of the purchase, the vineyards were 27 hectares. With additional purchases, the vineyard has increased in size to 45 hectares.

Located in the Sauternes appellation, because the wine does not have the level of sweetness required to be sold as coming from the Sauternes appellation, this dry white Bordeaux wine is sold as a generic white Bordeaux wine or Grand Vin Blanc Sec. However, due to its high level of quality, Clos des Lunes is no ordinary, white Bordeaux wine.

Founded by Olivier Bernard, the owner of Domaine de Chevalier in Pessac Leognan and Chateau Guiraud in Sauternes, the property previously made undistinguished, sweet wines under the name of Chateau Haut Caplane. That is no longer the case, now that Olivier Bernard and his son, Hugo Bernard began turning things around at Clos des Lunes. Today, Hugo Bernard is essentially managing Clos des Lunes.

Clos des Lunes Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 45-hectare vineyard of Clos des Lunes is planted to 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The vines are old, with an average age of 30 years. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,500 vines per hectare.

All work in the vineyards is organic, with the goal of moving to complete, self-sustaining, vineyard farming techniques. The terroir of Clos des Lunes is gravel with clay, sand, and limestone soil. The vineyard is close to some very good neighbors as it’s not far from Chateau d’Arche, Chateau Guiraud, and even Chateau d’Yquem.

To produce the wine of Clos des Lunes, the wine is vinified in a combination of ten, 50 hectoliter vats along with new and used, French oak barrels. A portion of the wines is aged in 30% new, French oak barrels for an average of 12 months.

The remainder of the wine is aged in tanks. The same team that is responsible for making the wines of Domaine de Chevalier produces the wine for Clos des Lunes.

Clos des Lunes produces three different white Bordeaux wines, Lune d’Argent, Lune d’Or and Lune Blanche, which is the entry level cuvee.

Clos des Lunes “Lune Blanche” is the estates entry-level wine, made for early drinking. The wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and concrete vats for an average of 6 months before bottling. The wine is produced from a blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc.

Clos des Lunes “Lune d’Argent” is a blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is aged in a combination of 25% new, French oak barrels while the remaining 75% is aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks for between 6 to 7 months. The property refers to this as their La Grande Cuvee’! On average, the production of this great, white Bordeaux, value wine is close to 6,500 cases per vintage.

Clos des Lunes “Lune d’Or” is a blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes from the estate’s oldest vines are generally close to 35 years of age or older. The terroir is gravel, with clay and limestone soils.

“Lune d’Or” is the top level of wine produced at Clos des Lunes. In fact, the owners refer to this as La Quintessence. It’s made from a barrel selection of the estates 15 best barrels. The grapes are whole bunch vinified, meaning no destemming took place.

Vinification takes place in an average of 33% new, French oak barrels. The wine aged for 6 to 7 months in a combination of 25% new, French oak barrels and 75% cement vats and stainless steel tanks. The production is quite small. On average, close to 6,000 cases per year is all the chateaux produce.

The best vintages of Clos des Lunes are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

“La Petite Lune” is the only red wine produced by the estate. From a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine is sold as a generic AOC Bordeaux rouge because the production of red wine is forbidden in the Sauternes appellation.

When to Drink Clos des Lunes, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Clos des Lunes can be enjoyed on the young side with no decanting. In fact, it is delicious and quite a treat young, even on release! However, Clos des Lunes is much better with age, so depending on the wine, and the vintage, you can age it for a few years. That is when the magic happens! So, enjoy it on any special occasion that calls for it.

Serving Clos des Lunes, with Wine and Food Pairings

Clos des Lunes is best served at 14 degrees Celsius, 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine will naturally warm in the glass, while it develops more aromatic complexities and fleshes out.

Clos des Lunes can be served with seafood dishes, especially shellfish, lobster, crab, and oysters on the half shell. Foie gras is a perfect pairing with its natural sweet, salty and savory characteristics. Clos des Lunes can also be paired with roasted chicken, veal, and pork dishes that are either spicy or prepared with a touch of sweetness.

Spicy Asian cuisine, raw fish, like sushi or sashimi, and cheese, both hard and soft also make great pairings with Clos des Lunes.

In April 2014, the owner, Olivier Bernard and Hugo Bernard stated that the goal of the estate was to eventually double the production of their wines. Olivier Bernard also plans to expand the wines produced at the estate with the addition of Clair de la Lune, a small production, Sauternes.

www.domainedechevalier.com

Clos des Lunes Wine Tasting Notes

25 Vintages 73,267 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
94
White flowers, lemon rind, pineapple, vanilla, pink grapefruit and green apples are at the center of the wines character. The wine is sweet, fresh and loaded with green apples, cinnamon and citrus in the fresh and creamy finish. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2025-2032. 94-94 Pts.

White flowers, lemon rind, pineapple, vanilla, pink grapefruit and green apples are at the center of the wines character. The wine is sweet, fresh and loaded with green apples, cinnamon and citrus in the fresh and creamy finish. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2025-2032. 94-94 Pts.

2,187 Views   Tasted
2022
92
Pineapple, guava, yellow citrus and flowers form the core of this wine. On the palate, the wine is sweet, juicy and focused on its white peach, green apples and lemon curd palate and finish. Drink from 2024-2030. 92-92 Pts.

Pineapple, guava, yellow citrus and flowers form the core of this wine. On the palate, the wine is sweet, juicy and focused on its white peach, green apples and lemon curd palate and finish. Drink from 2024-2030. 92-92 Pts.

2,585 Views   Tasted
2021
93
Honeysuckle, white peach, spice, ginger, and pineapple with a dab of vanilla smell great. And, the palate is even better with all of its creamy, fresh, green apples and tropical fruits. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the frost, close to 50% of the harvest was lost. Drink from 2024-2029.

Honeysuckle, white peach, spice, ginger, and pineapple with a dab of vanilla smell great. And, the palate is even better with all of its creamy, fresh, green apples and tropical fruits. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the frost, close to 50% of the harvest was lost. Drink from 2024-2029.

468 Views   Tasted
White peach, pineapple, apricot, orange, mango and limoncello notes create an interesting bouquet. Bright, crisp, and fresh, creamy, citrus-filled finish, you can drink this with pleasure on release. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the frost, close to 50% of the harvest was lost. Drink from 2023-2029. 92-92

White peach, pineapple, apricot, orange, mango and limoncello notes create an interesting bouquet. Bright, crisp, and fresh, creamy, citrus-filled finish, you can drink this with pleasure on release. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the frost, close to 50% of the harvest was lost. Drink from 2023-2029. 92-92

2,688 Views   Tasted
2020
92
Orange blossoms, white peach, vanilla, white flowers and green apple notes are all over the bouquet here. On the palate, the wine is fresh, lush and creamy, with a nice sweetness and purity to all the yellow citrus and mango in the finish. Drink from 2023-2033.

Orange blossoms, white peach, vanilla, white flowers and green apple notes are all over the bouquet here. On the palate, the wine is fresh, lush and creamy, with a nice sweetness and purity to all the yellow citrus and mango in the finish. Drink from 2023-2033.

1,286 Views   Tasted
White peach, orange rind, grapefruit, flowers, green apples and honeysuckle open the wine on the nose. Creamy, fresh and fruity, the endnotes are balanced and crisp. 93 Pts

White peach, orange rind, grapefruit, flowers, green apples and honeysuckle open the wine on the nose. Creamy, fresh and fruity, the endnotes are balanced and crisp. 93 Pts

2,387 Views   Tasted
2020
91
With just a swirl you find waxy lemons, white peaches and aromas of flowers. Sweet, vibrant, juicy and fresh with a blend of Meyer lemons and tangerine sweetened with a dab of honey and a sprig of mint on the backend. Drink from 2023-2030.

With just a swirl you find waxy lemons, white peaches and aromas of flowers. Sweet, vibrant, juicy and fresh with a blend of Meyer lemons and tangerine sweetened with a dab of honey and a sprig of mint on the backend. Drink from 2023-2030.

1,910 Views   Tasted
Lemon, pomelo, white peach and flowers open this fresh, sweet, ripe, juicy, creamy, citrus-filled wine. You can drink this with pleasure on release and over the next 3-5 years. 91 Pts

Lemon, pomelo, white peach and flowers open this fresh, sweet, ripe, juicy, creamy, citrus-filled wine. You can drink this with pleasure on release and over the next 3-5 years. 91 Pts

3,585 Views   Tasted
2019
93
The perfect blend of white flowers, honey and lemon are here. The fruit is sweet, ripe and zesty, with loads of citrus in the finish. 93 Pts

The perfect blend of white flowers, honey and lemon are here. The fruit is sweet, ripe and zesty, with loads of citrus in the finish. 93 Pts

3,288 Views   Tasted
2019
92
Honeysuckle, grapefruit, white peach and lemon rind nuances are easy to find in the perfume and in the lemon chiffon and mango, creamy-textured, fresh, juicy palate. Drink from 2022-2028.

Honeysuckle, grapefruit, white peach and lemon rind nuances are easy to find in the perfume and in the lemon chiffon and mango, creamy-textured, fresh, juicy palate. Drink from 2022-2028.

2,368 Views   Tasted
Juicy, fresh-squeezed pomelo with a dab of honey, white peach and pear on the nose in the sweet, lusciously textured palate. The acidity here is exactly on point, giving this brilliant lift. 92 Pts

Juicy, fresh-squeezed pomelo with a dab of honey, white peach and pear on the nose in the sweet, lusciously textured palate. The acidity here is exactly on point, giving this brilliant lift. 92 Pts

4,308 Views   Tasted
2018
92
This is great example of a dry Sauternes. Here you find loads of white peach, pineapple, sweet lemon and Anjou pears. Creamy in texture, with the right balance between sweet and fresh, this is ready for prime time drinking.

This is great example of a dry Sauternes. Here you find loads of white peach, pineapple, sweet lemon and Anjou pears. Creamy in texture, with the right balance between sweet and fresh, this is ready for prime time drinking.

1,275 Views   Tasted
Picture a dry Sauternes blended with sweet, white peaches and you begin to get the idea of what's in your glass. Add some ripe, yellow citrus and a dollop of pineapple, with a shot of acidity, and you can complete the picture.

Picture a dry Sauternes blended with sweet, white peaches and you begin to get the idea of what's in your glass. Add some ripe, yellow citrus and a dollop of pineapple, with a shot of acidity, and you can complete the picture.

1,768 Views   Tasted
2018
91
Rich, lush, creamy, juicy, fruity and already fun to drink, this ready to go delight leaves you with all the just squeezed Meyer lemon, pineapple and pear you can handle.

Rich, lush, creamy, juicy, fruity and already fun to drink, this ready to go delight leaves you with all the just squeezed Meyer lemon, pineapple and pear you can handle.

2,787 Views   Tasted
If you like white peaches and juicy, sweet Meyer lemons, you came to the right place. Just bottled, the wine is soft, floral, open and ready to go!

If you like white peaches and juicy, sweet Meyer lemons, you came to the right place. Just bottled, the wine is soft, floral, open and ready to go!

3,570 Views   Tasted
2017
93
Showing a strong sense of minerality before reaching the lemon peel, tangerine, floral and vanilla notes. The wine is juicy and fresh, with sweetness to the fruit and a refreshing quality to the concentrated, citrus dominated finish.

Showing a strong sense of minerality before reaching the lemon peel, tangerine, floral and vanilla notes. The wine is juicy and fresh, with sweetness to the fruit and a refreshing quality to the concentrated, citrus dominated finish.

2,414 Views   Tasted
2017
91
Ripe, crisp citrus leaning on pomelo, lemon and white peach notes, this is a soft, open and juicy wine displaying a squeeze of lime and a touch of honey in the finish.

Ripe, crisp citrus leaning on pomelo, lemon and white peach notes, this is a soft, open and juicy wine displaying a squeeze of lime and a touch of honey in the finish.

3,381 Views   Tasted
2016
92
Lemon, lime and green apple are what's out in front. Sweet citrus complicated by vanilla, stone and honeysuckle, The yellow, citrus in the finish stays with you with its sweetness and vibrant character. Lune d'Or is the top wine from the trio of dry white wines Olivier Bernard makes from vines planted in Sauternes.

Lemon, lime and green apple are what's out in front. Sweet citrus complicated by vanilla, stone and honeysuckle, The yellow, citrus in the finish stays with you with its sweetness and vibrant character. Lune d'Or is the top wine from the trio of dry white wines Olivier Bernard makes from vines planted in Sauternes.

1,540 Views   Tasted
2016
90
Fresh squeezed grapefruit, honeysuckle and white peach scents are right where they need to be. The wine is fresh, sweet, forward, concentrated and complex.

Fresh squeezed grapefruit, honeysuckle and white peach scents are right where they need to be. The wine is fresh, sweet, forward, concentrated and complex.

2,882 Views   Tasted
2016
88
Already delicious, with juicy pomelo on the nose and palate. The wine has sweetness to the fruit and a citrus finish.

Already delicious, with juicy pomelo on the nose and palate. The wine has sweetness to the fruit and a citrus finish.

2,770 Views   Tasted
2015
92
The top of the line from the trio of dry white wines Olivier Bernard makes from vines planted in Sauternes has loads of rich, sweet, pomelos, lemon peel, and crisp green apple, with a touch of honeysuckle. The palate of vibrant, fresh and refreshing, with a real crisp finish. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc.

The top of the line from the trio of dry white wines Olivier Bernard makes from vines planted in Sauternes has loads of rich, sweet, pomelos, lemon peel, and crisp green apple, with a touch of honeysuckle. The palate of vibrant, fresh and refreshing, with a real crisp finish. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc.

1,749 Views   Tasted
2015
89
Fresh, lemon zest and lime in the nose, sweet, vibrant and forward, this is a great, early drinking charmer.

Fresh, lemon zest and lime in the nose, sweet, vibrant and forward, this is a great, early drinking charmer.

2,457 Views   Tasted
2015
87
Easy drinking white Bordeaux wine with a fresh, just squeezed, citrus character.

Easy drinking white Bordeaux wine with a fresh, just squeezed, citrus character.

2,417 Views   Tasted
2014
91
This is a rich, lush, concentrated and fresh wine. There is a nectar-filled quality to the citrus and floral finish with just a drop of honey in the end. 90-92 Pts

This is a rich, lush, concentrated and fresh wine. There is a nectar-filled quality to the citrus and floral finish with just a drop of honey in the end. 90-92 Pts

1,731 Views   Tasted
2014
89
Luminosity and sweetness, this wine is all about yellow citrus fruits and vanilla bean with a splash of tangerine to liven things up in the sweet, vibrant finish. 87-89 Pts

Luminosity and sweetness, this wine is all about yellow citrus fruits and vanilla bean with a splash of tangerine to liven things up in the sweet, vibrant finish. 87-89 Pts

3,144 Views   Tasted
2014
87
A lively, easy-drinker with a citrus and vanilla personality, this wine is good bang for the buck. 87Pts

A lively, easy-drinker with a citrus and vanilla personality, this wine is good bang for the buck. 87Pts

2,042 Views   Tasted
2013
92
Opening with floral, pineapple, lemon, lime, orange and stone aromas, this full-bodied wine is sweet, rich and long with a fresh, lingering citrus peel finish. 91-93 Pts

Opening with floral, pineapple, lemon, lime, orange and stone aromas, this full-bodied wine is sweet, rich and long with a fresh, lingering citrus peel finish. 91-93 Pts

1,629 Views   Tasted
2013
91
With honeysuckle, nut, pineapple, lemon zest and floral notes, this refreshing wine showcases sweet, honeyed lemon and spice in the finish. 90-92 Pts

With honeysuckle, nut, pineapple, lemon zest and floral notes, this refreshing wine showcases sweet, honeyed lemon and spice in the finish. 90-92 Pts

2,345 Views   Tasted
2013
87
Fresh grapefruit and citrus transition into a forward, sweet, nutty and zesty finish. 87-88 Pts

Fresh grapefruit and citrus transition into a forward, sweet, nutty and zesty finish. 87-88 Pts

1,904 Views   Tasted
2012
92
From a selection of the estates best 100 barrels, grapefruit, lemon, lime, honeysuckle and mineral notes pop from the glass with little effort. The wine is concentrated, fresh, long, citrusy, sweet, lively and complex. 91-93 Pts

From a selection of the estates best 100 barrels, grapefruit, lemon, lime, honeysuckle and mineral notes pop from the glass with little effort. The wine is concentrated, fresh, long, citrusy, sweet, lively and complex. 91-93 Pts

1,871 Views   Tasted
2012
90
The debut vintage for Olivier Bernard. This dry white wine from Sauternes is sold as a Bordeaux Blanc Sec. Pineapple, grapefruit, melon and honey notes pop from the wine. Fresh, sweet and long with enough acidity to keep it fresh. For close to $18, this is a case purchase. 88-91 P

The debut vintage for Olivier Bernard. This dry white wine from Sauternes is sold as a Bordeaux Blanc Sec. Pineapple, grapefruit, melon and honey notes pop from the wine. Fresh, sweet and long with enough acidity to keep it fresh. For close to $18, this is a case purchase. 88-91 P

2,531 Views   Tasted