Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion - Pessac-Léognan 2022

A small estate neighboring Haut-Brion, also spared from Pessac’s urbanization, Les Carmes Haut-Brion produces a very harmonious and subtle wine, in which Cabernet Franc, in particular, contributes its incomparable finesse. The estate was purchased in December 2010 by Patrice Pichet, head of the real estate group Patrimoniale Foncière Pichet. 2016 was the first vintage produced in the magnificent and boldly designed winery created by Philippe Starck and Luc Arsène-Henry. Patrice Pichet entrusted the management of the estate to the talented and perfectionist Guillaume Pouthier, who is elevating the property to the ranks of the very best.

Deep and dark, this wine is beautifully floral with notes of violets, irises, and peonies, combined with ripe black cherries, licorice, and dark chocolate. Concentrated yet bursting with energy, it flows smoothly on the palate. Vibrant red fruits—strawberry, cherry, and raspberry—rest on a mineral backbone of salty, damp stones. Crisp yet powdery tannins and lively acidity give it incredible tension. Despite its depth, it seems almost weightless—so easy to drink, yet built for aging. Pure, immaculate, and vibrant, with no trace of heat—just balance and finesse. Juicy, lively, and utterly compelling. A true expression of the terroir and a guaranteed success. 70% whole-cluster fermentation. Aged for 2 years—80% in new oak, 10% in large 20-hectoliter tanks, and 10% in amphorae. pH 3.55. 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot. 2029–2050

Nestled within the Bordeaux metropolitan area, like its neighbor Haut-Brion, this 4.7-hectare vineyard owes its name to the Grands Carmes, its owners until the Revolution, which led to its sale as national property. A wine merchant purchased it and transferred ownership in 1840 to the Chantecaille family, who retained it until 2010, when it was acquired by the Pichet real estate group. In 2012, Patrice Pichet doubled the estate’s size—from 4.7 hectares to 10.3 hectares—by acquiring part of Château le Thil Comte Clary.

The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is the best wine bottled to date by this estate under the direction of Patrice Pichet and Guillaume Pouthier. It unfolds in the glass with aromas of violet, iris, dark wild berries, pencil lead, and blackberry. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied, deep, and concentrated, with a rich, fruity core beautifully framed by velvety, precise tannins, culminating in a long, briny, and fragrant finish. Smooth and harmonious, it was crafted using 70% whole clusters and aged in 70% new oak. This unconventional blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Merlot marks a turning point for the estate and solidifies its rapid rise to the pinnacle of Bordeaux. 2032–2062

By cultivating a distinctive style, defined by bold winemaking techniques that give whole-cluster fermentation a far from negligible role, Les Carmes Haut-Brion has established itself over the past few vintages as one of the most original wines in the appellation—and indeed in all of Bordeaux. The fruit expression comes across as “infused”—a term that’s very much in vogue, but perfectly justified here—and the tannins are remarkably fine. It should also be noted that the estate, acquired by the Pichet family in 2010, is situated on a distinctive terroir adjacent to Haut-Brion—one that ripens even earlier—and is home to a significant proportion of very old vines, particularly Cabernet Franc. The modernization of the winemaking facilities has enabled the estate to achieve a string of successes in recent vintages, following a truly impressive upward trajectory that justifies the third star it earned two years ago.

The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a majestic masterpiece from winemaking director Guillaume Pouthier. Deep in color and uniform in the glass, the 2022 offers an exotic blend of black cherry, lavender, sage, blood orange, menthol, espresso, and dried flowers. It displays extraordinary depth and substance in every aspect. Time spent in the glass offers a glimpse of what lies ahead in the years and decades to come. The 2022 is a co-fermentation of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Merlot, made from 70% whole clusters that spent a full six weeks on the skins. Aging consists of 70% new oak, 20% 18-hectoliter barrels, and 10% amphorae. Most importantly, all the elements are so well balanced that nothing stands out. On the contrary, it is the wine’s total harmony that is breathtaking. Magnificent. 2030–2072

70% whole clusters for the 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, aged in 80% new barrels, 10% large oak casks, and 10% amphorae. What depth, energy, finesse, delicacy, and nuance in this wine, which shines with its harmony, brilliance, and countless facets, all dedicated to subtlety. On the palate, the wine continues to showcase its intricate details. Every element is in its place and an integral part of the whole; nothing dominates, except for the savory notes, freshness, and mouth-watering quality. Everything is coherent and harmonious, with a breathtaking ability to shine even now, making you want to drink the wine while recognizing that it is crafted to age for several decades. Yet another masterpiece! 2027–2062

On par with the perfect 2016, this is an extraordinary tasting experience. With an opaque hue, the wine offers an abundance of aromatic fruits, incense, curry, flowers, and smoke. The palate is further elevated by its endless layers of harmonious fruit that caress your senses with a palette of savory spices, crushed stone, stone fruit, berries, and white pepper. The flawless finish confidently surpasses the 60-second mark with refinement and purity. The wine was crafted from 60% whole clusters, blending 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Merlot. It was aged in new French oak barrels (70%), 20% in large casks, and 10% in amphorae. Best enjoyed between 2029 and 2060.