2018 Chateau Carbonnieux, Pessac-Leognan, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

The 2018 red has an optimal level of maturity for all the Cabernet Sauvignon batches. The wine has a deep purple color with hints of ruby. In the nose the fruity flavour dominates the woody flavour with wonderful blueberry notes thank to the ripeness of the Merlots and the nice strength of the Cabernet Sauvignon with its smoky hints is easily recognized. On the palate the attack is unctuous, full, powerful with a slightly woody note without the astringency or hardness of tannins, this wine needs to reach its best through aging but it certainly promises to be a great wine.

Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

TASTING NOTES:

Always a success, the releases of whites from this estate continue with this tight, textured, wood-aged and ripe wine. It is still young, balancing between citrus and crisp acidity, with a texture that will open as the wine ages. Drink from 2023.

– Wine Enthusiast, 95 pts.

Tightly drawn, with a cloak of alder and juniper over the core of steeped plum and black currant flavors. Lots of tar, bramble, loam and sweet bay accents score the finish, which sports heft and muscle. Superb showing. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038.

– Wine Spectator, 94 pts.

Blackberry, dried-violet, gravel, chocolate and iodine aromas. Its medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Chewy, flavorful finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Try from 2024.

– James Suckling, 93 pts.