Producer Profile
Area under vines: 13,63 hectares
Soils: Gravel, clay and sand
Production: 30 000 bottles a year
Ageing: in 60% new oak for 18 to 24 months
Grape varieties:
- Merlot 45%
- Cabernet Franc 40%
- Cabernet Sauvignon 15%
Second wine: Le Clos des Carmes Haut-Brion
Tasting Notes
Vinous 100
The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Leognan that will take your breath away. The 2020 is 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot, picked between September 14 to 26, which is early here. Whole cluster was 55%. Vinification took place over five weeks, using very gentle extraction, with no pumpovers or punchdowns. Aging was 80% new oak, 11% 18hL foudres and 9% amphorae. In tasting, the 2020 is simply magnificent. There are no soloists, just the most exceptionally vivid, breathtaking orchestra imaginable. The 2020 is a masterpiece from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier and his team. Don’t miss it! [Antonio Galloni, 23/02/2023]
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2070