CHATEAU LES CARMES HAUT-BRION
PESSAC-LÉOGNAN, BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Why Buy: You demanded more Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, and folks, we listened. And we’ve got you. And also: we get you. Jeb Dunnuck christened the estate "the next superstar in Bordeaux," and he was assuredly not wrong. And this back-vintage vertical – including a 100-pointer, a 99-pointer, and a 98-pointer – is a gorgeous testament to the dramatic and rocketing ascent the estate has been on over the past decade.
What They're Saying: "A rock star of a wine," Jeb Dunnuck declared the 100-point 2018 vintage, calling it "a magical, seamless, singular beauty." He was nearly as enamored of the 99-point 2016, pronouncing it "one of the wines of the vintage," a Bordeaux of "full-bodied richness, flawless integration of its acidity, fruit, and ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster finish." Dunnuck also reviewed the 2019 vintage, awarding 98 points and marveling over its "deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, flawless balance, and that rare mix of power and elegance that truly great Pessac can deliver." Assessing the 2015 vintage, James Suckling was taken in by its combination of intensity and energy, awarding 97 points: "Very polished and poised with an immensely powerful core of tannin that drives incredible length on the palate," he wrote. "A terrific sense of freshness through the finish. Great wine." Vinous was of a similar mind regarding the 95-point 2014, deeming it "one of the stars of the vintage," "gloriously ample with remarkable nuance for a wine of its size."
The Story: In 2010, Patrice Pichet, a real estate mogul and wine enthusiast, purchased the Left Bank property and immediately set it on a more ambitious course. That change of direction has been more than borne out in the great leap forward in the winemaking. Together with winemaker Guillaume Pouthier, whose work in Rhône had garnered wide renown, 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. The terroir of Bordeaux, made up of Gunz gravel, sand, and clay, is inarguably vital to the consistently high quality of the final product, but so is Pouthier's insistence on allowing stems into the winemaking. The practice is often frowned-upon in Bordeaux, but it is common in Rhône, where Pouthier made his reputation. The results have been dramatic. Critics and connoisseurs have remarked at length upon the greater depth and concentration to be found in the glass. Meanwhile, the wines have lost none of their freshness or elegance. This combination of power and charm is irresistible, and, as you well know, increasingly rare.
Our Tasting Notes: We could go on all day about the various individual qualities of these five beauties, but, brevity being the soul of wit – not to mention the watchword for busy executives and professionals – we'll instead share a few more general observations. First and foremost is that they convey an emphatic sense of place, and a quality of expression that puts soulfulness first. Power is joined to finesse, and the intensity and concentration on offer – and both are considerable – are not allowed to crowd out the finer nuances that we turn to a great wine to bring us.
What to Pair Them With: It's best to save these for those moments when you're not at the table – when you can really settle in and explore them – but that isn't to say that they won't ennoble a great, juicy steak or a rack of lamb with herbs or a board of perfectly-ripened aged cheeses.
Fun Fact: The property dates back to 1584, when Jean de Pontac bestowed the land to the Carmelites of Notre Dame as a gift.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. 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 CT, KS, MI, NY, TN, or WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, December 21st, 2023.
