2003 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, now at 20 years old, is in stark contrast to the 2022 tasted alongside, far more rustic with ferrous dark berry fruit, curry leaf and rusty iron piping. It is oddly Burgundian in style, like a mature Morey-Saint-Denis. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins but very monotone and lacks amplitude on the finish. There is still an element of freshness and no dryness per se, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The final blend of 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon tipped the scales at 13.5% natural alcohol. The wine exhibits notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, scorched earth, red and black currants, and is elegant, tasty and fully mature. It is just beginning to dry out, so consume it over the next 3-4 years.
Dark crimson. Surly nose and drier than most (as in not sweet) but actually it has more tannin than most still. A bit of freshness and, unusually, this seems as though it has somewhere to go. (Average group score: 14.7) (JR)
Medium healthy red. Exuberant aromas of redcurrant, plum jam, tobacco, roast coffee and animal fur. Sweet, smooth and expansive in the mouth, with complex flavors of red fruits, saddle leather and game. Like the 2005, this has a very suave texture. Finishes with broad, ripe tannins and very good length. A delicious wine that's already drinkable.
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.