Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Owned since 1956 by the charming Perrin family, this great classic of the Pessac-Léognan appellation captivates not only with its production volume—especially for white wines—but also with the consistency and distinctiveness of its style. The very pale whites are fresh, lively, and exceptionally refined, but since 2009 they have gained in richness and body. The reds have gained significantly in power and density and rival the very best.

With a beautiful, deep garnet color, the 2020 Carbonnieux is reserved on the nose at first, but aeration reveals notes of black fruit, incense, licorice, and toast. On the palate, after a supple attack, the wine reveals itself to be full-bodied and sap-like, though still somewhat tight on the finish. Promising. 2027–2033

Brothers Éric and Philibert Perrin, along with their sister Christine Lescuyer, continue to develop this important estate, which has evolved considerably over the past decade, consistently producing delicious wine. The new generation is taking the reins; the 2019 vintage was brilliantly crafted by the young Andréa Perrin. Elegant and refreshing, the whites have gained in expressiveness while developing more body on the palate. They do not age indefinitely, and we recommend enjoying them within the first five years after bottling. However, a few exceptional vintages may hold magical surprises with extended aging. The reds—serious and consistent, though often austere in their youth—have also gained in body density. They never taste as good as they do between five and ten years of age. The vineyard is continuing its restructuring program by replacing Sauvignon Blanc on the fine gravel terroirs with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sample from the barrels. The Perrin family’s wine has a structured character with crisp tannins and blackcurrant notes, juicy and vibrant acidity, and great potential. The wine’s richness will develop nicely.

Carbonnieux 2020 possesses a dark beauty. Notes of black cherry, gravel, incense, tobacco, smoke, mocha, and cured meats unfold as this deep, layered Pessac-Léognan reveals its remarkable character. I’d give the tannins a few years to soften. The blend of fruity richness and energy is irresistible. 2026–2040

Blackcurrant, raspberry, crushed stone, bark, and black truffles. A hint of licorice as well. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins; mineral and intense. A tart finish with a lively edge. Very well-structured. A robust wine from this estate. Best after 2027.

Hailing from a region that excelled in 2020, the 2020 Château Carbonnieux boasts a deep purple color, accompanied by a striking bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, leaf tobacco, burnt earth, and graphite. On the palate, it is rich, concentrated, and medium- to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, firm tannins. This exceptional wine deserves 3 to 4 years of bottle aging and will continue to evolve for 10 to 15 years in a refrigerated cellar. 2023–2038

The nose is fruity and offers power (combining finesse with an airy quality), elegance, a certain intensity, and an airy quality. It features notes of vibrant blackberry, fleshy Garriguette strawberry, and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of plump red berries, subtle hints of Timut pepper, as well as hints of tea, nutmeg, and very subtle notes of toast, smoke, and spices. On the palate, it is fruity, balanced, and full of finesse, with a delicious richness, tension, a juicy and tangy structure, power (expressed with finesse and control), a touch of restraint, density, and depth. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of plump and juicy blackcurrant, fleshy andfresh strawberries, and, to a lesser extent, fleshy, ripe red berries, combined with hints of violet, purple plum, subtle notes of camphor, as well as hints of tea, nutmeg, cardamom, subtle toasty notes, and an imperceptible hint of bergamot. A subtle hint of salinity on the finish/aftertaste (adding smoothness and richness). The tannins are precise, elegant, and delicately firm.