Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan rouge 2022 - Second vin

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.

Alluring and intensely aromatic, this wine is brimming with blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle spices. Its crystalline acidity brings immediate freshness and liveliness, while supple, delicate tannins give it a silky texture without any heaviness. Energetic and dynamic, it combines purity and precision. Carmes’ signature style is fully evident here: pure fruit, supple tannins, and a long, elegant structure. Flavors of cherry, plum, and red currant give way to a mineral finish, evoking oyster shells, with a slight hint of salt. 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 absolutely love it. 31% fermented as whole clusters. 2025–2040

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.

This year, the 2022 C des Carmes Haut-Brion far exceeds its usual standard. On the nose, it reveals a rich, lively, and expressive bouquet of raspberry, blackberry, rose, violet, and blackcurrant. With beautiful structure, it offers a silky texture and fine, velvety tannins, as well as lovely fruity depth. Its elegant and harmonious finish highlights its unique personality. Guillaume Pouthier, Guillaume Deschepper, and their team have done a remarkable job in producing this exceptional wine. 2026–2037

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.

Aromas burst from the glass, offering a multitude of flowers, pears, red berries, rose stems, and fresh red currants. Hints of wild berries are also present. It is full-bodied, with plenty of juicy fruit and a creamy texture. Already open and delicious, it offers remarkable intensity. 30% fermented as whole clusters. The second wine of Les Carmes Haut-Brion. Best enjoyed after 2027, but already fantastic today.

A fresh and intriguing nose, almost Burgundian in character, with delicate Pinot-like fruit. Voluptuous, it is adorned with captivating notes of violet and violet candy. On the palate, it gradually builds in intensity, with a sap-like quality and dazzling freshness. 2026–2040

30% whole clusters for the 2022 vintage. The bouquet shines with its brilliance and notes of garrigue, evoking freshness, along with hints of strawberries, raspberries, and licorice. The salinity on the palate, the vibrant energy, and the precision of the tannins come together to form an impressive whole. The wine is crisp, delicious, savory, mouth-watering, and juicy. It is luminous, festive, and exhilarating, underpinned by a subtle austerity that enhances the aromatic character on the palate while lengthening the finish. An exceptional C des Carmes! 2026–2040