Château Carbonnieux 2022

Dark ruby; subtly lactic on the nose, dark berries, smoke, black tea; surprisingly approachable on the palate, slightly creamy texture, fine-grained tannin structure, showing great breed and an pleasantly long finish. Needs some bottle age.

Gently steeped dark currant and cherry fruit mixes well with singed tobacco, alder and black tea accents. There's a warm earth echo through the finish, which is fine-grained and focused. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2036. 13,000 cases made, 2,300 cases imported.

A subtly toasted nose with clove and wood spice accenting the dark berry fruit aromas. Juicy and fresh, a real shot of bright and lively red berry fruit gives the initial impression before spiced edges come through and give the focus. Clean and detailed, with a subtle chew to the texture alongside mint, aniseed and tobacco elements on the long finish. Feels a little tense still, not so calm, but really pure. And I love the long finish. A hint of alcohol emerges on the finish, but the freshness does well to cover the 15% ABV. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

The density and mouthfeel of this young Bordeaux are very attractive, with velvety tannins that give it a juicy, pretty texture. It’s medium-bodied, showing currants, blackberries, black cherries, and hints of chocolate and spice. Delicious finish. Hard not to drink now, but it needs at least three or four years of bottle aging to reach a good place.

The 2022 Carbonnieux has a well-defined nose with blackberry and briar scents, touches of stewed black tea and bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm, dry tannins. Quite firm and very peppery towards the finish, this is not the most amenable '22 to broach at the moment. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

Once you've discovered the flowers, cocoa, and fruits on the nose, you move to the palate. Creamy, smooth, and round, the fruit is smoky, lush, and topped with dark chocolate, espresso, and a refreshing mint accent that enhances the experience. The wine blends 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027–2045.

The 2022 Château Carbonnieux (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) might be the finest I've tasted from this château. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by a ripe, seamless Grave revealing ripe black cherry and red plum fruit as well as some smoky tobacco and earthy nuances, medium to full body, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's a ripe, opulent, yet nicely balanced 2022 that will have two decades of longevity.

Reserved at first, it takes time to open, offering a swirl of damson and orange peel after a few minutes, white pepper spice and sage. Although alcohol levels are high, giving a slightly abrupt finish, there is also a sense of balance, with lilting acidity and firm tannic grip. I wouldn’t suggest ageing as long as usual, as those alcohols might impact long-term ageing. 32 hl/ha yield after a dry year, 40% new oak.

Notes of blackcurrant and mint on the bouquet of Carbonnieux 2022. Good density on the palate, where the wine shows a silky, harmonious yet powerful character thanks to fleshy, perfectly integrated tannins. They even support the finish, lending it freshness. A mouthwatering, elegant and persistent wine that can be enjoyed young, while keeping a few bottles aside.

The nose offers indulgence and concentration, with a pleasing chocolaty and spicy profile (dark chocolate, chocolate-coated morello cherry, toasted vanilla, liquorice, cubeb pepper), complemented by a smoky, mineral edge (dry stone, graphite), and dense ripe, tangy fruit on the nose (blackcurrant, bird cherry, morello cherry, bigarreau, roasted red cherry, roasted raspberry), along with fresh tobacco, a hint of dried mint, violet and cornflower. There is also a toasty backdrop of coffee, toasted hazelnut and bitter almond. The palate is harmonious, enveloping and airy, with fruity flavours of blackcurrant, bird cherry, morello cherry, bigarreau cherry and roasted raspberry, opening on roasted red cherry and chocolate-coated morello cherry. Then come notes of toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate, coffee, dried peppermint, and gentle spices (liquorice, nutmeg, a hint of vanilla and cubeb pepper). Beautiful structure on the palate with solid yet sapid, cocoa-tinged, gourmand tannins. Pleasant bitterness of almond and coffee, even grapefruit, and a mouthwatering acidity. Elegant and fresh. Good length on roasted fruits and toasted hazelnut.

A deep color and an expressive nose of ripe red fruits, with aromas of crushed strawberry and strawberry jam, complemented by hints of star anise and licorice. On the palate, it is suave and well balanced, with fine, integrated tannins that bring softness. The structure is well built, supported by lovely freshness and a persistent finish. This vintage, shaped by ideal conditions, reveals the finesse of the Pessac-Léognan terroir.

A sappy, mineral, racy nose, heralding a seamless wine with a perfectly juicy core and a silky texture. A hint of slate adds an extra dimension, making you want to lick the inside of your mouth.

This is a dense wine with concentration and power. Its pepper and tobacco aroma lead to solid black fruits layered with wood. The estate dates its origins to 1292, currently owned by the Perrin family. Drink from 2028.