Chateau Les Carmes - 'Le C des Carmes Haut Brion' Red 2020

Grape

40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon & 26% Merlot

Tasting notes

The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is nothing short of a masterpiece. For the first time in recent memory, every element of this unique estate comes together in perfect harmony, with no single component dominating the whole. The high proportion of Cabernet Franc and the use of whole clusters, once so distinctive, are now seamlessly integrated into a wine of rare balance and finesse.

The bouquet is mesmerizing, unfolding with layers of dark red and purplish fruit, rose petals, mint, lavender, dried herbs, and a touch of incense. On the palate, it reveals itself as a ravishing Pessac-Léognan, breathtaking in its precision, energy, and depth.

The blend is 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Merlot, harvested between September 14–26, early for the appellation. Whole cluster fermentation was 55%. Vinification lasted five weeks with the gentlest of extractions, avoiding pumpovers or punchdowns. The wine was then aged in 80% new oak, 11% large 18hL foudres, and 9% amphorae.

In the glass, the 2020 is not a soloist but a perfectly tuned orchestra, each element vivid and expressive, yet contributing to a breathtaking whole. It is a brilliant achievement from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier and his team.

Expert Ratings

Robert Parker 94/100

More About The Winery

Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is a vineyard located in the Martillac area, crafted from carefully selected parcels in this zone.
Here, the terroirs shaping this wine are mainly composed of gravel and clay soils, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape variety, complemented by Merlot and a small touch of Petit Verdot.

C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers a different expression from Les Carmes Haut-Brion, yet carries the same commitment. Just like at Les Carmes, its signature and identity remain unchanged: whole-bunch fermentation and an infusion-style extraction process. The long, carefully managed ageing takes place in a mix of vessels (large oak vats, barrels, and amphorae), with only a small proportion of new oak, all within its nearby winery.

The result is a wine where fruit is omnipresent and ethereal, showing beautiful aromatic intensity, with floral notes mingled with hints of sweet spices. The palate is precise, linear, straight, and balanced, with fine, perfectly integrated tannins. The finish brings length and sapidity.

This is a wine that can be enjoyed in its youth, while also offering an ageing potential of 15 to 25 years, depending on the vintage.