2018 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Vinous 89

The 2018 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion contains 30% whole bunches and spent two years in barrel (30% new) and the third year in concrete vat before release. It has a clearly delineated bouquet: brambly black fruit, incense and wild hawthorn. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, harmonious though not deep. Certainly a light style given the vintage, this feels fresh, slightly Bandol-like in a pleasurable way with quite a persistent finish. Very drinkable. Tasted at the Les Carmes Haut-Brion vertical at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 25/10/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2036

Robert Parker 96

The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot. It was made using 52% whole cluster and has 13.75% alcohol. It was aged in 75% new oak barriques, 16% foudres and 9% amphorae. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing before bursting from the glass with vibrant scents blackberry preserves, redcurrant jelly, mulberries and Black Forest cake, leading to an undercurrent of pencil lead, black truffles, cast-iron pan and charcoal with an emerging waft of violets. The elegantly crafted, medium-bodied palate dances with red and black fruits before bursting into earth and mineral sparks. It has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and savory. The stem tannins lend this wine a firmness and textural interest, which should integrate further with another 5-6 years in barrel, allowing the nuances to shine through even more, then you can continue to enjoy its slow evolution for a further 30+ years. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 27/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2056