In Bond Fine Wine. 2023 Château Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 98/100 (WK). Drinking window: 2026–2073. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion has been on a stellar trajectory since the arrival of Guillaume Pouthier in 2012, his pioneering approach in the vineyards and in the cellar has firmly established the Chateaux as one of Bordeaux's most in demand. This brilliant wine is only made in small quantities with around 1800 cases each vintage. The picturesque Carmes Haut Brion is located close to the city of Bordeaux and just a stone's throw away from Chateau Haut Brion, indeed until the late 16th century it formed part of the fabled First Growth estate. The free draining calcium carbonate rich calcisol found in the vineyards here is similar to that at Chateau Ausone and ideal for growing high quality Cabernet Franc. The striking new Philippe Starck designed gravity fed winery is surrounded by a stream which also helps to keep the ambient temperature lower. Since completion of the winery in 2015 th…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 97/100 · Vinous, 31/03/2026 · Drink 2035-2073
Antonio Galloni, March 2026 The 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur, if not more so. Silky and intensely aromatic, the 2023 boasts magnificent purity from start to finish. Dark red-toned fruit, mocha, lavender, rose petal and exotic spice notes abound. Vinification with 60% stems exalts aromatic intensity and brilliance. The 2023 is a magical wine in the mak…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94–96/100 · Vinous, 30/04/2024 · Drink 2035-2073
The 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is increasingly a wine of seamlessness. Whereas the various components were once easily discernible, today Carmes is most often a wine of total beauty. The 2023 is a bit shy, especially in its aromatics. In other words, a pretty big departure from so many other recent vintages that have been far showier at this stage. Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier explains t…
Neal Martin (NM) — 94–96/100 · Vinous, 29/04/2024 · Drink 2028-2048
The 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion was picked September 11 to 25 with 60% whole bunch and more Cabernet Franc than usual. Aging was 70% in new barrels, 20% in 18-hectoliter foudres and 10% in amphorae. This offers plenty of dark berry fruit mixed with cedar and pinecones on the nose, very well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, and the acidity is very well-judged. J…