Description

The Grand Vin from this Pessac-Léognan property, Les Carmes Haut-Brion, charms everyone with its magnificent balance between finesse and character, density and liveliness. To achieve this, the château chooses varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which draw their nutrients from the gravel soils that rest on a clay-limestone bedrock and are then vinified in temperature-controlled, cone-shaped stainless steel vats.

The wine is later aged in smal and large wooden barrels (with a high proportion of new wood) and earthenware jars.

iDealwine Primeur tasting note : “The subtle yet complex nose displays aromas of black fruit, citrus fruit zest and floral hints of iris and violet. On the palate, the wine is creamy and mouthwatering, delivering great intensity and delicious blood orange aromas. The round texture is complemented by elegant, silky tannins. The finish is velvety, saline and extremely refined. This wine stands out for its intense freshness and great drinkability.”

Wine Advocate : “Guillaume Pouthier and his team have once again crafted one of Bordeaux’s most unique and characterful wines. Revealing aromas of mulberries and raspberries mingled with notions of vine smoke, orange zest, rose petals and spices, the 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with a powerful, vibrant and complete mid-palate, concluding with a long, ethereal and mouthwateringly saline finish. Sensual, suave and seamless, its beautifully refined tannins are, analytically, more abundant than even those of the 2022 vintage, yet they are so brilliantly integrated as to be near-imperceptible. This blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot is crafted for longevity, though its refined structure will make it surprisingly approachable at an early age. It’s maturing 70% in new oak barrels, 20% in 18-hectoliter foudres and 10% in amphorae. A creditable yield of 50 hectoliters per hectare represents a decided agronomic success in what was a challenging growing season.”