2019 Les Carmes Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Les Carmes Haut-Brion has a perfumed, quite floral bouquet with red cherries, sloes, blackcurrant and a touch of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, and gentle grip. Quite structured with plenty of substance on the finish, just a touch of espresso lingering on the aftertaste. Distinctive, is a positive sense. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Decanter
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Solid, savoury. Not thrilling, but not too sweet. Lots of substance here. And masses of – too much? – tannin. Drying finish. (JR)
Heady nose but tight, tart palate. Seems lacking in fruit considering the vintage. A little short too. (RH)
The 2019 Les Carmes Haut-Brion contains 60% whole bunches, matured for 26 months in 82% new oak with 9% each of amphora and foudres . This has a beautifully-defined bouquet with pure Dorset plum, wild mint and incense aromas, just a hint of lavender in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with chiselled tannins, crisp acidity, tensile from start to finish with a long mineral, sapid aftertaste. It will vie with the 2016 for best recent vintage. Tasted at the Les Carmes Haut-Brion vertical at the château.
About the producer
One of the most exciting properties in Bordeaux, Les Carmes Haut-Brion technically sits within the city’s limits today. Guillaume Pouthier arrived in 2012 and, under his tenure, the property has been elevated to the highest ranks.