2023 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1x750ml

Vinous 92-94

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. [Antonio Galloni, 04/30/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2043

Robert Parker 97-99

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. [Yohan Castaing, 04/26/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2065