2021, Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN, Rouge, Grand Vin de Graves

The 2021 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion contains 22% whole-bunch (to be exact). It has a lovely bouquet with peony and light white flower scents percolating through the black fruit. This is fresh and cohesive. The palate is medium-bodied with a very saline entry, showing black olive mixed with blackberry and bilberry fruit. Finely structured toward the finish, this is an absolutely delicious Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion that will get even better with bottle age. 92+ Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).

The 2021 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is a stellar wine. Rich, complex and super-expressive, the C possesses notable depth and textural intensity. The C emerges from a separate property from Les Carmes Haut-Brion itself, located between Smith and Haut Bailly, where the microclimate is warmer. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend in this deeply textured red. The 2021 was done with 25% stems, but the whole clusters are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Gravel, tobacco, incense and scorched earth add layers of dimension as it opens in the glass, while floral notes appear on the finish. Above all, I really admire the persistence here. This spent 24 months in oak—25% in French oak barrels and 75% in 30hL casks. I think this is the sole 2021 that is not in bottle yet! 91-93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2023).

Drinking Window: 2026 - 2045