Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan 2010
Country: France Region: Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux
Category: Red Wine Style: Dry Vintage: 2010
Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Description:
Located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation to the south-west of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion has garnered a reputation as one of the most innovative châteaux in the area. During the French Revolution it was seized then sold at auction. Acquired by the Chantecailles, it remained in the family for over a hundred years. Today, the uber-modern Philippe Starck designed cellar firmly cements Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion's place as a forward-thinking 21st century producer. Owners Patrice and Diane Pichet have been the driving force in its reputation as one of the most dynamic properties of Pessac-Léognan in recent years, as well as Guillaume Pouthier, whose experience as an engineer and oenologist stands out for the practices he has implemented.
The vines used to produce this wine are around 40 years old and they grow in a terroir of pebbles, sand and soil in Pessac. The vineyard is worked traditionally always with the goal to improve production. This wine’s distinguishing feature is its proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (40% and 50% respectively), a blend rarely seen on the left bank. The resulting cuvée is rich, dense and harmonious.
93 points James Suckling
The blueberries, walnut and chocolate character here is impressive. Full and very silky with refined tannins and a silky finish. Very pretty. Wonderful balance like the 2009. 
93 points Wine Advocate
Made of 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet colored 2010 Les Carmes Haut-Brion gives up notes of baked blackberries, blackcurrants, black raspberries and cedar chest with hints of baking spices, black olives, pencil lead and Marmite toast. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting all that tightly-packed brawn, finishing with great length and purity. Still incredibly youthful, I suspect this wine has a lot more to give in the years to come!
91-93 points Wine Enthusiast
Ripe, soft fruit and tannins that come from fruit rather than wood. The acidity is a dominant factor, with great wafts of bright black currant fruits and final tannins.
91 points Wine Spectator
Offers a plush feel, with warm cocoa and steeped blueberry notes leading the way, backed by dark, fleshy plum and blackberry fruit. A loamy edge takes over on the finish, revealing a flicker of tobacco in the background.
90 points International Wine Cellar
Bright red-ruby. Aromas of cherry, spiced plum, smoke and earth, plus a whiff of sweet butter. Juicy and a bit tight, showing moderate flesh and depth but good complexity to its flavors of red fruits, spices and minerals. There's a good dollop of Cabernet Franc in this wine, and it shows in the youthfully imploded texture. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lingering minerality.
Tasting notes
On the nose this shows aromas of sour cherries, raspberries and plums, complemented by other fruity nuances. On the palate, it starts pleasantly aromatic, fruity and balanced. The texture of this balanced red wine presents itself wonderfully bulky. In the finish, this wine has considerable length. There are again hints of raspberry and plum.
Food Suggestion:
Red meat dishes
