92-94

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2025 Carbonnieux packs a pretty substantial punch. Dark-toned fruit, gravel, incense, licorice, dried herbs, menthol and espresso infuse the palate with tremendous depth. The tannins are quite broad and chocolatey, but they are very nicely balanced. 04/2026

91-93

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2025 Carbonnieux has a well-defined bouquet with lifted blackberry, cassis and violet scents, showing more harmony and focus than previous vintages that had left me a little underwhelmed. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine acidity, upfront black fruit laced with graphite and black pepper towards the finish. This is a step in the right direction for Carbonnieux after a decidedly mixed period. 05/2026

92-94

Yohan Castaing

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2025 Carbonnieux is a fine success, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis and flowers, accented by delicate spice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense, layered and well balanced, it is built around a core of fruit with good depth and framed by velvety, precise tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed and ethereal finish. This is a compelling value. 04/2026

92-94

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe cherries, red plums, candied violets, and graphite, as well as some spicy wood, all emerge from the 2025 Château Carbonnieux, another beautiful Pessac-Léognan. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and nicely concentrated, with ripe, firmer tannins and outstanding length. I think it's a beautiful wine that should easily be outstanding. 05/2026

89

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur rouge sombre, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur et vanillé. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, plus séquencé que jamais, le vin évolue juteux et même velouté, sur des tanins bien enrobés. Assemblage : 45% Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Merlot 5% Petit Verdot 5% Cabernet Franc. Degré d'alcool : 14°. 04/2026

95-96

James Suckling

James Suckling

A very bright wine with beautiful balance and freshness. Violets, raspberries and currants on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with clarity and fine, integrated tannins. Hints of flint and graphite at the end. One of the best Carbonnieux in a long time. 45% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. 04/2026