2024 La Tour Carnet

Well teased out dark berry fruits, careful construction, wash of cedar and campfire smoke, black tea and slate, a little leafy through the mid palate but a juicy finish. Harvest 24 September to 9 October. 35 hl/ha. 60% in oak of which 50% is new. They are reducing the percentage of first wine at La Tour Carnet, in reflection of how far and fast the vineyard footprint has grown with new acquisitions.

The 2024 La Tour Carnet is terrific. It could very well turn out to be one of the surprises of the year. Rich and boisterous, the 2024 offers notable freshness and energy. A significant reduction in oak really pushes the fruit forward. There is some edginess in the tannin, likely a combination of the style of the year and the significant presence of neutral vessels in élevage. Yields were just 25 hectoliters per hectare. Aging is 60% in oak (50% new) and 40% in a combination of stainless steel and cement. Tasted three times.

The 2024 La Tour Carnet has an opulent nose for the vintage with straightforward black cherry and raspberry fruit, though it lacks a bit of delineation and freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced and simple with a pleasing sapid entry and an easygoing finish. Sure, there is nothing substandard about this Haut-Médoc and it's usually well-priced, but there is little here to create goosebumps.