2023 Carbonnieux Rouge

94 POINTS: A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot aged 12 months in 30% new French oak, the 2023 Château Carbonnieux is a rocking little gem of a wine that's well worth your time. Cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and smoke all shine on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a ripe, round, layered mouthfeel, beautiful and building tannins, and a great finish. It's a nicely concentrated, classic, layered Pessac that has serious depth and length. It's going to cruise for two decades in cold cellars. Drink 2026-2046.