2018 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
The 2018 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion represents a pinnacle of achievement in this exceptional vintage, showcasing the estate's groundbreaking high percentage of Cabernet Franc. The wine exhibits an intensely aromatic profile of dark fruits, violets, and graphite, with subtle notes of cedar and exotic spices enhanced by the estate's signature whole-bunch fermentation. On the palate, it displays remarkable concentration and precision, with ultra-refined tannins and a profound mineral depth that promises exceptional evolution over the next three decades.
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Cellared at 55°F & 70% Humidity
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Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a unique and historic estate in Bordeaux, dating back to the 16th century when it was owned by the Carmelite order. Located in Pessac-Léognan, it's one of the few châteaux situated within Bordeaux city limits. The estate spans 29.6 hectares, with 7.6 hectares of vines. Unlike most Bordeaux estates, Les Carmes Haut-Brion uses a high proportion of Cabernet Franc in its blend, typically 40-45%, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The château gained attention for its striking new winery, designed by Philippe Starck and completed in 2015. Under the ownership of real estate developer Patrice Pichet since 2010, the estate has seen significant investment and a rise in wine quality.
Pessac-Léognan is a prestigious wine appellation located in the Graves region of Bordeaux, France. Established in 1987, it encompasses both red and white wine production, with a particular reputation for high-quality reds. The region's wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, often displaying a unique combination of power and finesse.
The terroir of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is integral to its wine's character. The vineyard sits on a gravel croupe (mound) typical of the best terroirs in Graves, with a subsoil of clay and limestone. This soil composition provides excellent drainage and heat retention, crucial for ripening grapes fully. The estate's proximity to the city creates a unique microclimate, slightly warmer than surrounding areas, which can be advantageous in cooler vintages. The terroir is particularly well-suited to Cabernet Franc, explaining its unusually high proportion in the blend. The combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties allows Les Carmes Haut-Brion to produce wines with a distinct personality, blending the power typical of Pessac-Léognan with an elegance and finesse often associated with Right Bank wines.
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