In Bond Fine Wine. 2023 Château C des Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Second wine • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 92–94/100 (WA). 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.
Yohan Castaing (WA) — 92–94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 2024-04-26 · Drink 2025-2040
The 2023 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is a terrific vintage wine bursting in the glass with pure, fresh and complex aromas of mulberries, cassis, violet and dark wild berries. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and seamless, it’s fleshy core of fruit is framed by bright acids a d supple tannins. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot is the most accomplished C de Carmes to…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 92–94/100 · Vinous.com, 2024-04-01 · Drink 2027-2043
The 2023 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is a powerful, substantial wine. Dark plum, lavender, mocha, licorice and spice infuse the palate with tremendous depth. This is going to need time to come together, even if it's quite alluring today. Silky, elegant tannins wrap around the substantial finish.