Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan rouge 2022 - Second vin
97/100
Yves Beck
94/100
Le Figaro
94/100
Robert Parker
94/100
James Suckling
94/100
Decanter
"Both fresh and suitable for aging, this is a beautifully structured and dynamic wine that leaves you wanting more. One of the best second wines, I love it! ~ Decanter"
"30% whole clusters for 2022. The bouquet shines with its brightness, its notes of garrigue, which evoke freshness, as well as nuances of strawberries, raspberries, and licorice. The salinity of the attack, the energy present, and the precision of the tannins form an impressive whole. The wine is crisp, delicious, sapid, mouthwatering, and juicy. It is luminous, festive, exciting, and benefits from the insistent support of a fine austerity that highlights the aromatic character of the palate while extending the finish. A C des Carmes of exceptional quality!" (Yves Beck 2024)
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Eye
Deep ruby with purple highlights, dense and brilliant
Nose
Elegant with ripe black fruits, raspberry, violet, rose, spices, and light hints of herbs, tobacco, and sea salt.
Mouth
Fresh attack on crisp fruit, then the wine is supple, juicy, energetic, pure, with silky tannins and a long, salty finish.
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
Decant 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Drink from
2026
Drink before
2040
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with mushroom risotto, grilled lamb chops, or ribeye steak with pepper sauce.
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2021 guide) 4 stars (Producers of very high quality, the pride of French vineyards)
About the estate:
A small vineyard neighboring Haut-Brion, also saved from urbanization in Pessac, Les Carmes Haut-Brion produces a very harmonious and subtle wine, where Cabernet Franc in particular brings its incomparable finesse. The property was purchased in December 2010 by Patrice Pichet, head of the Patrimoniale Foncière Pichet real estate group. 2016 was the first vintage vinified in the magnificent and very daring winery designed by Philippe Starck and Luc Arsène-Henry. Patrice Pichet entrusted the management of the estate to the talented and perfectionist Guillaume Pouthier, who has raised the property to the highest level.
Decanter
Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100
About wine:
Seductive and intensely fragrant, this wine is bursting with blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle spices. Its crystalline acidity brings immediate freshness and liveliness, while supple and delicate tannins give it a silky texture without heaviness. Energetic and dynamic, it combines purity and precision. The Carmes signature is fully revealed here: pure fruit, supple tannins, and a long, elegant structure. Flavors of cherry, plum, and redcurrant give way to a mineral finish, evoking oyster shells, with a slight hint of saltiness. Both fresh and suitable for aging, this is a beautifully structured and dynamic wine that makes you want to come back for more. One of the best second wines, I love it. 31% whole cluster fermentation. 2025-2040
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2023 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
Nestled in 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 bought it and passed it on in 1840 to the Chantecaille family, who kept it until 2010, when it was bought by the Pichet real estate group. In 2012, Patrice Pichet doubled the estate's size from 4.7 hectares to 10.3 hectares by purchasing part of Ch. le Thil Comte Clary.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rating (2025 guide) 94/100 (Outstanding wine)
About wine:
This year, the C des Carmes Haut-Brion 2022 far exceeds its usual standard. On the nose, it reveals a rich, lively, and expressive bouquet of raspberry, blackberry, rose, violet, and blackcurrant. With a beautiful structure, it offers a silky texture and fine, velvety tannins, as well as a lovely fruity depth. Its elegant and harmonious finish highlights its unique personality. Guillaume Pouthier, Guillaume Deschepper, and their team have done a remarkable job, producing an exceptional wine. 2026-2037
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2025 guide) 3 stars (These represent the excellence of French vineyards. The best terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical moment.)
About the estate:
By cultivating a distinctive style, defined by bold winemaking techniques that give pride of place to whole bunches, Les Carmes Haut-Brion has established itself over recent vintages as one of the most original wines in the appellation, and indeed in the whole of Bordeaux. The expression of the fruit appears "infused," a term that is very fashionable but perfectly justified here, and the tannins are singularly fine. It should also be noted that the property acquired by the Pichet family in 2010 is based on an original terroir, adjacent to Haut-Brion, which ripens even earlier and is occupied by a significant proportion of very old vines, particularly Cabernet Franc. The modernization of the winemaking facilities has enabled the estate to enjoy a string of successes in recent vintages, following a truly impressive crescendo, which justifies the third star awarded two years ago.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100
About wine:
The aromas burst from the glass, offering a multitude of flowers, pears, red fruits, rose stems, and fresh currants. There are also hints of wild berries. It is full-bodied, with lots of juicy fruit and a creamy texture. Already open and delicious, it offers remarkable intensity. Fermented at 30% in whole clusters. Second wine of Carmes Haut-Brion. Best enjoyed after 2027, but already fantastic today.
Le Figaro vins
Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100
About wine:
A fresh and intriguing nose, almost Burgundian in its expression, with delicately pinot-like fruit. Voluptuous, it is adorned with captivating notes of violet and violet candy. On the palate, it gradually increases in intensity, with a sappy side and a dazzling freshness. 2026-2040
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2024 guide) 97/100
About wine:
30% whole clusters for 2022. The bouquet shines with its brightness, its notes of garrigue, which evoke freshness, as well as nuances of strawberries, raspberries, and licorice. The salinity of the attack, the energy present, and the precision of the tannins form an impressive whole. The wine is crisp, delicious, sapid, mouthwatering, and juicy. It is luminous, festive, and exciting, benefiting from the insistent support of a fine austerity that enhances the aromatic character on the palate while extending the finish. A C des Carmes of exceptional quality! 2026-2040