2025, Château Carbonnieux Rouge, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN Grand Cru Classé de Graves

45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot.

The 2025 Carbonnieux packs a pretty substantial punch. Dark-toned fruit, gravel, incense, liquorice, dried herbs, menthol and espresso infuse the palate with tremendous depth. The tannins are quite broad and chocolatey, but they are very nicely balanced. 2030-2045. 92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Aromas of tobacco leaf, blueberry, and oak–derived spice, presage a rather structured wine with tannins reinforced by the lively acidity of the vintage: a firm, slightly angular profile at this stage, where the fruit feels somewhat restrained. Paradoxically, this same framework brings freshness that reveals palate depth. The finish carries a mineral, gently saline edge, suggesting versatility at the table. (20% new oak). 92 Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter