Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 2020

Tastingbook.com

Robert Parker

Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend…

James Suckling

A fruity and bright red with cherries, redcurrants and sea salt. Medium to full body. Lovely tannins that are melted in the wine. Juicy and dynamic. 100% whole cluster fermentation. From vineyards in Pessac Leognan. This is really fantastic and so energetic. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot and 1% petit verdot.

Decanter

Smells rich with perfumed blackcurrants. Clean and crisp on the palate, a smooth and silky texture but with crunchy and bright, almost sharp fruit - dark cherries, plums and figs edged with a chalky, minerality. Clearly charming, this is succulent, supple and so easy to like with excellent drinkability. Refreshing and totally moreish. 3.6pH. Ageing 30% new oak, 60% foudre (30-50hl), 10% amphoras.

Izak Litwar, Great Bordeaux Wines

La Revue du Vin de France

Falstaff

Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate ochre rim. Nuances of ripe plums, blueberries, black cherry compote, subtle nougat. Medium complexity, cherry, integrated tannins, mineral and chocolate touch on the lasting finish.

The Wine Independent

Markus del Monego MW

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Ruby in color, the wine is floral in nature with notes of smoke, cherries, tobacco, herbs, earth and red pit fruits. Soft, elegant, forward and approchable, the wine is medium-bodied, soft and refined, ending with sweet and spicy kirsch and thyme. Using 20% whole bunches in the vinification, the wine blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.

Antonio Galloni

The 2020 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is a fabulous second wine. Rich, deep and so expressive, the C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is alluring from the very first taste. Succulent red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and cedar all wrap around the palate. The 2020 is brimming with character. Today I find it irresistibly delicious.

Alexandre Ma

Vert de Vin Magazine

The nose is fruity, fresh, powerful and offers some airness in its power as well as a nice delicate and precise grain. It reveals notes of luscious strawberry, bright wild currants and slight notes of fresh/juicy cherry associated with hints of juicy blackberry as well as delicate hints of fresh/bright red plum, lily, iris rosemary and spices. The palate is fresh, coating, mineral, juicy, all in finesse and offers a nice freshness, a nice definition, a fresh frame, gourmandise, a nice energy as well as airiness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, bright cherry and slight notes of crushed currants associated with touches of lily, lilac, small pulpy/crushed blue fruits as well as hints of vanilla, toasted hazelnut, with delicate hint of sweet blond tobacco and toast. Good length. An iodine/saline hint in the mouth that brings a lot of palatability and gourmandise. Nice persistence.

VV Wine