Château Les Carmes-Haut-Brion 2020

2020  Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Garnet in color, the wine opens with tobacco leaf, cigar box, thyme, herbs, flowers and red berries. Medium/full-bodied, vibrant, fresh and focused on its purity of fruit and elegance, this sublime wine is silky, sweet and sensuous. This finish is long and refined, with sweet, ripe cherries, dark cocoa, spice, herbs and cigar wrapper with a cool touch of salt and crushed rock in the endnotes. The wine was made using 55% whole bunch clusters during fermentation. From a blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot, 13.7% ABV. The wine is aging in 80% new, French oak which is already close to fully integrated. 96-98  Pts

Les Carmes Haut Brion - 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot. There were 55% of whole grape bunches included in vinification. 13.65% alcohol. 80% new oak, 11% foudres and 9% amphoras. The nose was a paradise of fragrances, and the palate was a paradise of tastes. When you additionally find spectacular complexity, sophisticated touch, liquid cashmere and seamless structure in this wine, the result is true perfection! 2020 is the best vintage Guillaume Pouthier has ever produced at LCHB; that’s it! 99-100p.

Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. The nose is positively influenced by a high proportion of Cabernet Franc (40%) leading to a very elegant character with fragrant aroma reminiscent of subtle oak, pencil shavings, fine toasting aroma, flowery components, violets, dark berries and dark stone fruit. Oriental spices in the background. On the palate well balanced with massive yet ripe and velvety tannins, flowery flavour and dark berries, a great wine with freshness, depth and excellent length.