Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2018
Owner: Patrice Pichet, Operations Manager: Guillaume Pouthier Consultants : Derenoncourt Consultants
Beneath the classic elegance of the Pessac-Léognan, the great wine of the Carmelites unfolds a unique partition. The Cabernet Franc, in unprecedented proportions, offers a silky power, relayed by the intensity of the Cabernet Sauvignon. On this structure, the Merlot develops a round and fine fruit: the balances are there to guarantee a style as complex as it is greedy.
Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pride of the estate, the great wine plays a successful art of synthesis, between strength and finesse, brightness and depth.
The ten hectares of land are divided between gravel, clay and sand. On this unique geological palette, it is the affinities of the earth that have guided the grape varieties, which are also singular. Cabernet Franc (42%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (18%) were planted on either side of the stream: further on, it is Merlot (41%) that grows. A plant mosaic which founds the atypical profile of the estate.
Source: Château Les Carmes Haut Brion
The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of Cabernet Franc, of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It was made using 52% whole cluster and has 13.75% alcohol.
It is anticipated to age 18-24 months in 75% new oak barriques, 16% foudres and 9% amphorae.
Deep garnet-purple colored, it is slightly broody and reduced to begin, slowly growing to reveal notions of charcoal, smoked meats, truffles and tilled soil over a core of black raspberries, warm black cherries, blackberry coulis and redcurrant jelly plus wafts of Provence herbs and iron ore.
Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular, tense with latent energy, offering a rock-solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the bright, vibrant fruit, finishing long and mineral laced.
Data sheet
- Designation
- Pessac Léognan
- Year
- 2018
- Color
- Red
- Acceptance
- 35% cabernet franc, 34% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot
- Alcohol level
- 13°75
- Apogee
- 2030 - 2050
Jean-Marc Quarin / Quarin.com - Noté 99/100 (september 2023)
Vinous / Antonio Galloni - Noté 97/100 (march 2021)
Jeb Dunnuck / Jebdunnuck.com - Noté 100/100 (march 2021)
Thé Wine Independent / Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Noté 96/100 (february 2023)
Jeff Leve / The Wine Cellar Insider - Noté 98/100 (march 2021)