Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan 2018 750ml - Liquors Inc.
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan 2018 750ml
SKU: 40000

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac Léognan 2018

  • jd100
  • v97
  • wa96+
  • ws93
  • we93

750ml
$0.00
$159.99

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After a mild and humid winter marked by abundant rainfall, spring was stressful, with hailstorms at the end of May and an historic mildew pressure. But miraculously, a very dry and hot weather set in from the end of June until October, offering a large window in the choice of the harvest dates. At the Carmes, 2018 avoids the extravagance of the vintage: moderately high degrees, a dense phenolic constitution with fine granularity, powerful Cabernets Sauvignons and fresh Cabernets Francs. A miraculous vintage like only Bordeaux knows how to give birth to.
Jeb Dunnuck
  • jd100

The 2018 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a rock star of a wine and is based on a unique blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 29% Merlot that was brought up in 80% new French oak. Offering a deep ruby/purple color as well as a thrilling bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, violets, damp earth, and truffle, it hits the palate with a full-bodied yet almost understated, building style that carries ripe, supple tannins, gorgeous amounts of smoky black fruits, and an endearing, layered, multi-dimensional texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. A dead ringer for a great vintage of Haut-Brion, it is far from unapproachable today yet needs 7-8 years of bottle age for the fireworks to develop and will have 50-years or more of longevity! Hats off to Guillaume Pouthier for a magical, seamless, singular beauty!

March 11, 2021
Vinous
  • v97

The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total knock-out, just as it was from barrel. Soaring in its aromatic intensity, Les Carmes dazzles from the very first taste. Inky red fruits, mocha, new leather, licorice, dried flowers, sage and mint envelop all the senses. Today, the 2018 appears to be slightly closed, but time brings out tons of aromatic energy and nuance. Cabernet Franc plays the leading role, unusual for this part of the region. Franc aromatics and a fair amount of whole cluster savoriness lend energy but also a feeling of richness without weight that is especially appealing. This is a masterpiece from Les Carmes Haut-Brion and Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier.

Antonio Galloni, March 2021
Wine Advocate
  • wa96+

The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot. It was made using 52% whole cluster and has 13.75% alcohol. It was aged in 75% new oak barriques, 16% foudres and 9% amphorae. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing before bursting from the glass with vibrant scents blackberry preserves, redcurrant jelly, mulberries and Black Forest cake, leading to an undercurrent of pencil lead, black truffles, cast-iron pan and charcoal with an emerging waft of violets. The elegantly crafted, medium-bodied palate dances with red and black fruits before bursting into earth and mineral sparks. It has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and savory. The stem tannins lend this wine a firmness and textural interest, which should integrate further with another 5-6 years in barrel, allowing the nuances to shine through even more, then you can continue to enjoy its slow evolution for a further 30+ years.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, March 31, 2021
Wine Spectator
  • ws93

Juicy and fresh, with a vivid beam of cassis and cherry puree laced with hints of anise, tobacco and apple wood. The finish is focused and driven, while a tarry streak adds range and depth, showing nicely buried mouthwatering acidity throughout. Very expressive already, but this should develop nicely with cellaring as well. Best from 2023 through 2034.

James Molesworth, 2021
Wine Enthusiast
  • we93

92-94. Barrel Sample. This wine has bold, ripe black fruits and fine acidity. Its structure shows well through the fruitiness of the wine. This will certainly age well.

Roger Voss, April 1, 2019

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