Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion 2021 Incl. Box

Product info about Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion 2021

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2021 is the red grand vin of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion from Pessac-Léognan, in the Graves area of Bordeaux. It should not be confused with Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, the estate's other wine; this is the main wine of the château, a dry red Bordeaux blend with a notably strong Cabernet Franc presence.

The 2021 blend is 40% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. That Cabernet Franc component is one of the defining features of Les Carmes Haut-Brion's grand vin. The vintage was cool and demanding, and the estate points to slow ripening, strict sorting and the role of its protected clos and microclimate in achieving ripeness with freshness.

Its production also tells part of the story. The 2021 vintage includes 45% whole clusters, with the grapes vinified without crushing and given a long maceration in temperature-controlled vats of different types. Ageing lasted around 24 months, using new barriques, new foudres and amphorae or terracotta vessels. The oak influence is there, but the tasting notes describe it as folded into spice, cedar, tobacco and texture rather than standing apart.

At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bordeaux we like to present to customers who appreciate Pessac-Léognan with freshness, grip and cellar potential. The wine received strong critical recognition from Vinous / Antonio Galloni, James Suckling, Decanter, The Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck and Jane Anson. With only the last bottles remaining, it is a notable opportunity for anyone following this vintage. At the table, it has the structure for red meat, lamb, game birds, veal and mature cheeses.

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2021 shows a fresh, energetic Bordeaux character, with dark and red fruit notes of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and plum. The aromatic detail continues with violet, iris, peony and rose, followed by liquorice, graphite, tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, pepper, incense, bell pepper and forest floor.

On the palate it is described as medium to full in body, with concentrated fruit, lively acidity and fine-grained yet present tannins. The texture is juicy and tense, with clear grip and a long finish carrying mineral, spicy and graphite-like accents.