Château Les CARMES HAUT-BRION
Red

Although Les Carmes is adjacent to Haut-Brion and its vines were once part of those of Haut-Brion, the wines produced there are radically different from those of its prestigious neighbour. Due to a particular subsoil with the presence of clay, the vines are mainly Cabernet Franc (42%) and Merlot (40%) and the wines, deep and tasty, have an immediate generosity more typical of the right bank than the left bank. The new team set up following the acquisition in 2010 immediately propelled Les Carmes to the top of the Pessac-Léognan's wines.

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J-M Quarin : 100/100 “Full-bodied on the attack, immediately rich and powerful with a majestic development, this smooth and noble wine unfolds gently, slowly and with great opulence, before relaxing into a lighter, more airy finish, all the while becoming more intricate, remarkable for its balance, uniqueness and complexity. It finishes with a famous touch of tannin and an extraordinary, lingering length that leaves you speechless! Wow! Magnificent!”

Terre de Vins : 98-99/100 Coup de ♥ "A deep, intense Carmes with a sensual density, whose subtle, zesty bouquet reflects the 54% Cabernet Franc and 65% whole-bunch fermentation. A briny freshness emerges, enhancing the floral notes of the aroma. On the palate, it offers incredible texture, with ultra-powdery tannins that fill the mouth with a satiny, salty sensation, accompanying every millimetre of the succulent flesh. It is at once airy, full-bodied, rich yet luminous, full of flavour, long-lasting and – importantly – joyful. A wine that brings a smile to your face and makes you want to drink it! A great success from 2025.”

La Revue du Vin de France : 97-98/100 “True to its unique style, Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2025 reaffirms its identity with a blend dominated by Cabernet Franc (54%) and a high proportion of whole-bunch fermentation (65%). The wine captivates with its powdery, almost tactile texture and a very pronounced salty and mineral character. Elegant bitter notes and umami nuances enrich the palette, adding depth and complexity. The whole, intense and vibrant, powerfully expresses the terroir’s limestone character, in a refined and contemporary style. ”

Vinous (A. Galloni) : 96-98/100 "The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a huge, powerful wine that is going to need many years to come into its own. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, incense, melted road tar and licorice make a bold entrance."

Bettane+Desseauve : 96-97/100 “Supreme refinement and aromatic precision define this great Carmes, dominated by Cabernet Franc. Dense yet exceptionally refined, the wine impresses with its velvety texture, its freshness and its immense potential. A top choice from this vintage.”

Vinous (N.Martin) : 95-97/100  "The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion takes time to open on the nose: blacker, darker fruit than the Le C, black plum and touches of iris flower. Very pure, very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins on the entry, crunchy in the mouth, black fruit interlaced with Earl Grey, subtle ash-like notes. Linear towards the finish but very sustained in the mouth, there is plenty of energy in this Les Carmes-Haut-Brion and it should age with style and grace. More sapidity on the finish than the Dead Sea."