100

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut-Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away. The 2020 is 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot, picked between September 14 to 26, which is early here. Whole cluster was 55%. Vinification took place over five weeks, using very gentle extraction, with no pumpovers or punchdowns. Aging was 80% new oak, 11% 18hL foudres and 9% amphorae. In tasting, the 2020 is simply magnificent. There are no soloists, just the most exceptionally vivid, breathtaking orchestra imaginable. The 2020 is a masterpiece from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier and his team. Don't miss it! 12/2022

97

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2020 Les Carmes Haut-Brion has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries, red fruits, exotic spices, rose petals, raw cocoa and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered, it's intensely flavored but weightless, with a compelling sense of harmony and a long, orange-inflected finish. A blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot, it was vinified with some 65% whole bunch and attained 13.5% alcohol. This is the first vintage where Pouthier's methods (whole bunch with weighted cap and long élevage incorporating larger vessels) were applied writ large, and the results are striking. 04/2023

97

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur, subtil, noble et plus floral que d’habitude. Nuances d’encre et de fumée à l’agitation du verre. Extrêmement moelleux en entrée de bouche, ample au milieu, puissant et fondant, avec un gras de magicien, le vin fond au palais, juteux, savoureux, complexe, avant de s’achever long, nuancé et noble dans sa texture et ses arômes. C’est très bon. Assemblage : 40 % cabernet franc, 34 % cabernet sauvignon, 26 % merlot. Degré d’alcool : 13°6 – pH : 3,66. Rendement : 38 hl/ha. Vin vinifié avec 55 % de grappes entières. Production : 100 % de premier vin. C’est là un exploit.

98

James Suckling

James Suckling

Gorgeous aromas of crushed berries with orange peel. Fresh spices. Flowers. Salty. Full and so bright and vivid, with an elegance and beauty at the beginning and then it goes on and on. You see the intense fine tannins at the end. Dusty and bright. Unique wine. 55% whole cluster. 80% new wood, 10% amphora, and 10% foudra. 05/2023