Tasting Notes & Ratings
Grape
44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting notes
The 2012 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion from Pessac-Léognan is a refined and complex red, showing a deep ruby hue. The nose is layered and expressive, revealing aromas of blackcurrant, red plum, pencil lead, red pepper, herbs, spice, chocolate, and a hint of wet leaves, all contributing to its earthy, nuanced profile.
On the palate, the wine is dry, with medium acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a pronounced flavor intensity. The core of blackcurrant, chocolate, and herbal notes extends into a long, balanced finish, showcasing both structure and elegance.
A wine of precision and depth, it offers excellent aging potential, making it a smart choice for cellaring or enjoying over the next decade.
Expert Ratings
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94/100
"An inky, bluish-black color, this wine has deep black raspberry and blueberry notes mixed with charcoal, graphite and subtle smoke. Rich, full-bodied and silky textured, this complex, stunning Pessac-Léognan from this tiny jewel of a vineyard near Haut Brion is hitting all the high notes in 2012. It should drink well for 15-20. This is another bottled wine that dramatically out-performed its barrel sample." Robert M. Parker, Jr. The Wine Advocate