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: 2023, 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.
Clos des Lunes Wine Tasting Notes
27 Vintages 77,044 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating
2023
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
Honeysuckle, pineapples, green apples, mango, and pears show nicely in the nose, and on the creamy, fresh, and fruity palate. This is the first vintage produced from 100% Semillon. Drink from 2025-2031. 93 Pts. 817 Views Tasted May 4, 2024 |
2023
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
Yellow tropical fruits, flowers, and green apples, with a hint of vanilla are ready to be enjoyed, in the nose, and on the forward, sweet, juicy, palate. This is ready-to-go as soon as it hits the stores. It is interesting to note that Clos des Lunes was the first wine being offered as a future from the 2023 vintage. The wine blends 70% Semillon with 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2025-2030. 91 Pts. 551 Views Tasted May 4, 2024 |
2022
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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. 2,254 Views Tasted May 8, 2023 |
2022
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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. 2,883 Views Tasted May 8, 2023 |
2021
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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. 1,693 Views Tasted Mar 9, 2024White 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 2,752 Views Tasted May 20, 2022 |
2020
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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. 1,337 Views Tasted Mar 21, 2023White 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 2,425 Views Tasted May 20, 2021 |
2020
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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. 1,971 Views Tasted Mar 21, 2023Lemon, 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 3,630 Views Tasted May 20, 2021 |
2019
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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 3,311 Views Tasted Jun 8, 2020 |
2019
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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. 2,405 Views Tasted Mar 29, 2022Juicy, 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 4,341 Views Tasted Jun 8, 2020 |
2018
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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. 1,303 Views Tasted Mar 9, 2021Picture 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. 1,794 Views Tasted Apr 19, 2019 |
2018
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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. 2,805 Views Tasted Mar 9, 2021If 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! 3,587 Views Tasted Apr 19, 2019 |
2017
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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. 2,431 Views Tasted Apr 26, 2018 |
2017
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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. 3,418 Views Tasted Apr 26, 2018 |
2016
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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. 1,570 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2017 |
2016
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
Fresh squeezed grapefruit, honeysuckle and white peach scents are right where they need to be. The wine is fresh, sweet, forward, concentrated and complex. 2,907 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2017 |
2016
Clos des Lunes Lune Blanche (Bordeaux)
Already delicious, with juicy pomelo on the nose and palate. The wine has sweetness to the fruit and a citrus finish. 2,811 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2017 |
2015
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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. 1,776 Views Tasted Apr 30, 2016 |
2015
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
Fresh, lemon zest and lime in the nose, sweet, vibrant and forward, this is a great, early drinking charmer. 2,472 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2016 |
2015
Clos des Lunes Lune Blanche (Bordeaux)
Easy drinking white Bordeaux wine with a fresh, just squeezed, citrus character. 2,433 Views Tasted Apr 30, 2016 |
2014
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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 1,793 Views Tasted Apr 24, 2015 |
2014
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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 3,153 Views Tasted Apr 24, 2015 |
2014
Clos des Lunes Lune Blanche (Bordeaux)
A lively, easy-drinker with a citrus and vanilla personality, this wine is good bang for the buck. 87Pts 2,053 Views Tasted Apr 24, 2015 |
2013
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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 1,657 Views Tasted Apr 21, 2014 |
2013
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
With honeysuckle, nut, pineapple, lemon zest and floral notes, this refreshing wine showcases sweet, honeyed lemon and spice in the finish. 90-92 Pts 2,354 Views Tasted Apr 21, 2014 |
2013
Clos des Lunes Lune Blanche (Bordeaux)
Fresh grapefruit and citrus transition into a forward, sweet, nutty and zesty finish. 87-88 Pts 1,918 Views Tasted Apr 21, 2014 |
2012
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Or (Bordeaux)
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 1,898 Views Tasted Apr 25, 2013 |
2012
Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent (Bordeaux)
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 2,541 Views Tasted Apr 25, 2013 |