In Bond Fine Wine. 2019 Château C des Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Second wine • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 92/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2022–2034. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Le C des Carmes is the second label from Carmes Haut Brion, a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend made from a separate plot in Martillac between Haut Bailly and Smith Haut Lafitte. Just like the Grand Vin, winemaker Guillaume Pouthier uses a portion of whole-bunch fermentation and a gentle ‘infusion’ extraction to give the wine beautifully integrated, ultra-fine tannins. Ageing is completed in a combination of clay amphorae and new oak to preserve the purity and energy of the fruit. C des Carmes offers incredible value from one of the most exciting, distinctive and in demand Chateau in Bordeaux.
Jane Anson (JA) — 92/100 · Decanter.com, 30/05/2020 · Drink 2022-2034
Tension, energy and power with black fruits on the nose - get some Left Bank character straight away. This has juice running through the palate, an excellent 2nd wine because you get the sense of minerality, elegance and freshness of Pessac. More classic than its bigger sibling, perhaps, but with personality and punch. Vines in Martillac, in a separate plot from the main Carmes Haut-Brion estate.…