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Carmes Haut Brion 2012

Pessac-Leognan

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Tasting Notes

A powerful, intense wine, the 2012 Les Carmes Haut-Brion exudes richness and depth. Game, smoke, tobacco, grilled herbs, black cherries and incense are some of the signatures. This explosive, powerful Pessac is going to need time to settle down, but it is exceptionally beautiful, even at this very early stage. Les Carmes Haut-Brion is marked by its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (38%) which is unusual in this part of Pessac, and its fabulous terroir. All of that is on full display here. Don't miss it!

Score: 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 January 2016

An inky, bluish-black color, this wine has deep black raspberry and blueberry notes mixed with charcoal, graphite and subtle smoke. Rich, full-bodied and silky textured, this complex, stunning Pessac-Léognan from this tiny jewel of a vineyard near Haut Brion is hitting all the high notes in 2012. It should drink well for 15-20. This is another bottled wine that dramatically out-performed its barrel sample.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2035 01 April 2015

The 2012 seems to be a move in that direction. A blend of 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, it tips the scales at 14.1% alcohol. Only 53% of the crop made it into the grand vin as they have introduced a second wine called Les Clos des Carmes. The medium-bodied, fragrant 2012 Les Carmes Haut Brion offers lots of unsmoked cigar tobacco, red and black currant, scorched earth and toasty notes. This wine, which is now being looked after by Guillaume Pouthier, whom I met when working with Michel Chapoutier in Tain l’Hermitage, has considerable talent, so readers take note. This 2012 possesses impressive purity and density along with its tell-tale elegance and finesse. It should drink well for 10-15 years.

Score: 89 - 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2028 01 April 2013

Features a smoldering tobacco edge around the core of steeped plum and raspberry fruit, while hints of dried anise and alder line the finish. Shows range and character, with well-embedded acidity bolstering the length. Best from 2016 through 2022.

Score: 91

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2016-2022 31 March 2015

On the nose and palate this red suggests blackberries with cedar notes and hints of spices. Full body, silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish. The minerality and length is wonderful. This keeps getting better and better. Drink in 2020.

Score: 92

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2020+ 09 February 2015

Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. The Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a blend of 38% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Merlot. It has a fine, gravelly bouquet with well-defined black fruit and well-integrated oak. It unfurls nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. This is actually more structured and masculine that I expected. Classic Pessac-Leognan with a touch of chewiness and sinew on the finish, a second sample tasted one week after the first exhibited the persistency and depth that the first lacked. This could be a very fine Les Carmes after bottling. Tasted April 2013.

Score: 90 - 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 06 May 2013