CHÂTEAU LES CARMES HAUT-BRION
C DES CARMES
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2022
WHY BUY:
A trio of treasures from the talk of Bordeaux, Les Carmes Haut-Brion: their eye-opening second wine, Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, which we're bringing to you for 30% OFF, or just $35 for a potential 96-pointer; their 100-point 2018 vintage — a "rock star of a wine," in the words of Jeb Dunnuck; and their superlative 98-point 2019 vintage. These wines are further confirmation of the greatness of Les Carmes’s terroir (their vineyard is neighbors with the legendary First Growth Haut-Brion) and the brilliance of winemaker Guillaume Pouthier. If you're only just becoming acquainted with this shooting star of Bordeaux, take it from us: this is a house to bet on and believe in.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
Jeb Dunnuck lavished the 2018 vintage with a perfect 100 point score, declaring it "a rock star of a wine ... ripe, supple tannins, gorgeous amounts of smoky black fruits, and an endearing, layered, multi-dimensional texture that keeps you coming back to the glass ... a magical, seamless, singular beauty!" He was nearly as enthralled with the 2019 vintage, awarding it 98 points and praising its "deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, flawless balance, and that rare mix of power and elegance that truly great Pessac can deliver.” Decanter likewise awarded it 98 points, anointing it "one of [our] favorite wines in 2019.” As for Le C des Carmes, the 96-point second wine, James Suckling was greatly moved, gushing over its "excellent purity of fruit and brightness,” its notes of "crushed stone,” and its "fresh acidity."
OUR TASTING NOTES:
The 100-point 2018 is everything Dunnuck says it is: a wine that seems to reinvent itself with each sip, with layers of dark, deep fruit (principally, cassis and blackberry) and mineral complexity that build into something genuinely thrilling. And the texture: so smooth and velvety you’re torn between trying to analyze it and taking another sip. The 2019 shows why critics tend to lose their composure over Les Carmes. It's got the weight and concentration that you’re looking for in Pessac-Léognan, but at heart it’s a wine that doesn’t want to impose itself on you; it wants you to sit with it and revel in its elegance and balance and details (its wet stone character, its tannins that caress rather than grip). And man oh man, that Le C des Carmes 2022 is nothing short of a revelation at $35 a bottle, a wine that manages to capture the estate's signature blend of intensity and finesse, but at a price that will have you doing double-takes … as well as ordering by the case.
THE STORY:
The latest chapter of this historic Left Bank estate began in 2010, when Patrice Pichet, a real estate mogul and wine enthusiast, purchased the property and immediately set it on a more ambitious course. Together with winemaker Guillaume Pouthier, whose work in Rhône had won him a great reputation, Pichet tripled the size of the vineyards from 10 hectares to 30 and commissioned Philippe Starck to design the winemaking facility. In every other respect, however, the aim has been to downsize, and to return to the methods of old. Harvesting is done only by hand, horses are gradually phasing out tractors, and pumpovers are not permitted. Pouthier's insistence on allowing stems into the winemaking — often frowned upon in Bordeaux but common in Rhône — has been transformative. The results speak for themselves: greater depth and concentration without sacrificing freshness or elegance. This combination of power and charm is irresistible, and increasingly rare.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:
In our estimation, these powerful and precise wines need no company at all, but they'll make great matches with a roast duck or goose, a standing rib roast, or a board of ripe, aged cheeses.
FUN FACT:
Of all the estates that make their home in Bordeaux, Les Carmes is the only one that exists inside the city limits.
OUR GUARANTEE:
As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate to ensure that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your bottles and cases today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2025 (Dec. 21st - March 20th, 2026) With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Friday, November 21st, 2025.