critic reviews
A lovely wine, great depth of flavour, wisps of smoke and grilled coffee bean, avoids the heaviness of the vintage, and provides a distinct personality. 30% whole cluster, Guillaume Pouthier director, Guillaume Deschepper technical director, closed with wax. First year ageing in 55% new oak of differing sizes, then amphoras and cement vats for second year. From the 2023 vintage they plan to add an extra year in cement vats to ensure that the C de Carmes is fully ready to drink on release.
The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) from gravelly soils, will be kept for one year in bottle before release. It has 13.3% alcohol, reduced by the 30% whole cluster contribution with infusion rather than maceration, using a coffee plunger concept to push down the cap in the vat. It aged for one year in barrel and one year on <em>foudres</em>. The nose presents blackberry, clove and curry leaf aromas, with a touch more mint than before. The medium-bodied palate has slightly chalky tannins and is fresh thanks to the whole bunch contribution. Quite linear and a little Syrah-like towards the finish, this lovely wine will age well over the next 12 to 20 years.
The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, picked at 14.1% potential alcohol and with 30% whole-bunch fermentation. It is currently aging 20% in new barrels, 70% in 30hl casks, and 10% in amphoras. Deep garnet-purple in color, it explodes from the glass with bombastic scents of kirsch, juicy blackberries, raspberries, and blackcurrant jelly, followed by hints of roses, star anise, crushed rocks, and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is very light on its feet, with lovely tension and chewy tannins supporting the bright, vivacious black and red berry layers, finishing long and lifted. pH 3.60.
The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is brilliant. Exhibiting aromas of cassis, perfectly ripe blueberries, spring flowers and pencil lead, its medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, with a succulent core of fruit and a long, perfumed finish that endows it with a distinctive personality. Sourced from vines planted on clay-gravel soils in Martillac, this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot is matured 20% in new barriques, 10% amphorae and 70% in large wooden foudres.