In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château C des Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Second wine • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 94/100 (WK). Drinking window: 2023–2040. 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) — 93/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 15/02/2023 · Drink 2023-2036
Great purity and depth of fruit, with excellent weight and depth to the blue and black fruits, along with the signature salinity that you find in Carmes. Finesse and drinkability. 32% stems, 22% new oak, with the rest large oak casks and 10% amphora for ageing, 3.65ph, from vines located in Martillac. This will stay at the estate for another 12 months before release. One of the best 2nd wines of…
William Kelley (WK) — 94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 06/04/2023 · Drink 2025-2045
Bottled after 24 months' elevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verd…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 91–93/100 · Vinous, 01/06/2021 · Drink 2026-2040
The 2020 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is a fabulous second wine. Rich, deep and so expressive, the C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is alluring from the very first taste. Succulent red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and cedar all wrap around the palate. The 2020 is brimming with character. Today I find it irresistibly delicious.