Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Rouge 2022 [in bond ex VAT] (6 x 75cl)

40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot

6 x 75cl * 13.5% ABV * Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

Sitting on the same gravel soils as its namesake, Haut-Brion, and once forming part of the same estate, Les Carmes Haut-Brion is becoming one of Bordeaux’s most sought after properties. Investment from current owner Patrice Pichet over the past decade alongside winemaker, Guillaume Pouthier, who formerly worked with Michel Chapoutier in the Rhône has meant that quality at the property has soared.

Drink 2028 - 2060.

"I think one of the legendary wines in the vintage will be the 2022 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, which comes from a tiny vineyard not far from Haut-Brion and is based on 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot, vinified with 70% whole clusters, and aged 70% in new barrels, 20% in foudre, and 10% in amphora. Despite mostly being not destemmed, you wouldn't know it by tasting it. It has a classic bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, leafy herbs, graphite, and violets, while in contrast, the C Des Carmes Haut-Brion, which is vinified with just 30% stems, is clearly marked more by its stems. Full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully balanced, and with a rare mix of purity, freshness, and power, it's going to rival the 2018 as one of the finest vintages ever produced from this address. It's worth noting this estate has a unique terroir in Pessac that includes some limestone in the soils, and this worked particularly well in 2022. Don't miss this wine." 98-100 points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com (May 2023)

"Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier follows his majestic 2020 with another riveting wine. The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is, quite simply, unforgettable. A wine of tremendous energy, the 2022 saturates the palate with inky red/blue fruits, lavender, sage and mint, showing remarkable density that builds into an eternal finish enshrouded by seamless tannins. The 2022 is a co-ferment of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot done with 70% stems that saw six full weeks on the skins. Élevage is 70% new oak, 20% 18HL cask and 10% amphora. It is an incredibly modern wine that marries Bordeaux classicism with hints of Northern Rhône and Piedmont inflections. All the elements are so well-balanced that nothing sticks out. Instead, it is the wine's profound beauty that leaves a lasting impression." 98 Points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (April 2023)

James Suckling - 97-98 Points

Robert Parker - 99-100 Points

Decanter - 98 Points

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) - 96 Points

Please note that prices are in-bond and exclude VAT, which are payable when the wines land in spring/summer 2025.