Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2019

The 2019 Les Carmes Haut-Brion has turned out very well in bottle. Mingling aromas of plums and cassis with notions of blood orange, warm spices and new oak, it's full-bodied, velvety and seamless, with an ample core of bright, succulent fruit that's framed by an elegantly muscular chassis of ripe, powdery tannins and lively acids. Concluding with a long, expansive finish, it's reminiscent of a more giving, extroverted version of Pouthier's superb 2016. As is now the rule at this address, some whole bunches were retained during maceration, and the wine saw a long élevage in a variety of vessels, from classic 225-liter Bordeaux barriques to foudres and amphorae. The blend is dominated by 42% Cabernet Franc, complemented by 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot.

Rich and caressing in feel, with alluring cassis, steeped plum and boysenberry purée flavors. Shows pretty anise and applewood accents that line the finish, where there's a solid tarry echo as well. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2023 through 2035. 3,300 cases made.

Pretty nose of florals and red berries with a back note of ripe green herb. Subtle tar, lovely elegance, dense but ripe tannin, structure, and flow. The palate is quite austere and youthful, needs time to relax. Nothing is overdone, and it thrills with that gravelly backbone. Nominated by Georgie Hindle.

What a great nose with such complexity of blackberry, forest floor, mushroom and bark. Like walking in a deep forest. Full-bodied with a dense palate, yet it remains energetic and focused. Very fine texture. Flavorful finish. Extremely persistent. Fantastic young 2019. Try after 2028.

42% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot. Deepest crimson. Subtle aroma of mostly black but also red fruit, with a gentle fruit sweetness and a fine leafy freshness. Really fragrant as it opens. Lovely balance between the youthful but fine-grained tannins and the fresh, lively fruit. Plenty of freshness too. Cool, elegant and long. (JH)

The only Pessac-Léognan I was not able to taste in barrel has turned out beautifully! The wine opens with flowers, smoke, tobacco leaf, herbs, sea salt, blackberries, plums, and forest-leaf aromas. If that wasn’t enough to steal the show, the wine is silky, intense, fresh, elegant, deep, and sensuous on your palate. Multi-layered and multi-faceted, this stunning wine has a seamless finish that doesn’t quit. Give it a few years in the cellar before pulling a cork, as this has the potential to age and evolve for 2–3 decades with ease. Drink from 2030–2060.

I wasn't able to taste the 2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion from barrel, but it certainly brings the goods from bottle. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a smorgasbord-like array of red, blue, and black fruits as well as violets, candied flowers, tobacco, and sappy herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, flawless balance, and that rare mix of power and elegance that truly great Pessac can deliver. Showing the more elegant style of the vintage, it checks in behind the magical, perfect 2018 but is very much in the style of the 2016. Readers will love having this beauty in the cellar, and it will evolve for 40-50 years if stored correctly. Hats off to winemaker Guillaume Pouthier for another thrilling wine.

Rippling violet and peony waves alongside creamy blueberry and raspberry fruits, this is a gorgeous 2019 that continues a strong run of vintages at the estate. Slate-textured, salt-licked stones, rosemary and saffron-edged, white truffle spice. Takes its time and stretches out through the palate, tingling and enticing. Technical director Guillaume Pouthier has created something here that stands on its own, with complexity and nuance. Give it a full five or six years before opening. pH 3.59. 60% stems, and once again you see the difference it makes not only in nuance and philosophy but also in the actual physical properties of the wine.

Noble cedar nose, body perfectly balanced in alcohol, noble tannins, a precise and refined whole that does justice to the terroir and the vintage. Good value for money, but produced in small volumes, which will unfortunately lead to unintended speculation.

The bouquet of the 2019 unfailingly highlights the enduring subtlety of Carmes over the years. This bouquet dazzles with finesse and complexity. It masterfully marries floral and fruity nuances while underscoring its freshness. The wine is vibrant, incisive, balanced, and exceptionally fresh. It heralds one of the greatest Carmes of recent years, though it has not yet fully reached its peak. It will come… sooner or later, and likely sooner… and we may well see a three-digit score… although, strictly speaking, that isn’t really the essential point. Clearly, the wine is brilliant.

Black color, lively and bright. Intense, fine, fruity, subtle, complex and noble nose. Inky nuances with a light smokiness. Appetizing. Precise on entry, nuanced in texture, with brightness of flavor; the wine develops with savory depth, endlessly caressing, leading to a long, refined finish with very well-coated tannin grain. Great aromatic length. Better decanted than not decanted. Blend: 42% cabernet franc, 31% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot.

Violet-tinged color, nose of dark fruit, fresh leather, and very elegant oak. With aeration, the concentration becomes clear, showing juicy fruit, a floral touch, and an almost oceanic freshness. A beautifully crafted palate, taut and driven by a finely chiseled tannic definition. Salinity and depth stretch the wine, propel it, and give it great persistence. Huge aging potential. Tactile and complex.