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

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

Vinous 91-93

The 2023 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion was picked from September 20 to October 5 and includes 25% whole bunch, with 13% alcohol due to their addition. This comes from the osmotic absorption of alcohol in the vat, according to Guillaume Pouthier. Matured in 20% new oak with 10% in amphora, it has a very pure and airy bouquet of black cherries commingling with blueberry and light pressed-violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with cashmere tannins. It s very smooth with white pepper infusing the red fruit, but it s perhaps just missing a little grip toward the finish. This seems to just glide, and it will drink after just a couple of years in bottle. [Neal Martin, 04/29/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2037