97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur, if not more so. Silky and intensely aromatic, the 2023 boasts magnificent purity from start to finish. Dark red-toned fruit, mocha, lavender, rose petal and exotic spice notes abound. Vinification with 60% stems exalts aromatic intensity and brilliance. The 2023 is a magical wine in the making. 03/2026

95

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, which includes 60% whole bunches, aged in 70% new oak, amphora and foudres. It has a pretty, delicate bouquet that opens in the glass, mainly black fruit, raspberry and light crushed stone scents, just a touch of curry leaf. Light marine scents emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, velvety in texture with red and black fruit. Hints of clove and white pepper toward the finish, courtesy of the whole bunches. Quite light and detailed. If I have to quibble, I am seeking a bit more grip, a trait that I find in other vintages. Nevertheless, still a classy and intriguing Les Carmes Haut-Brion. 02/2026

98

Yohan Castaing

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Slightly higher in Cabernet Franc than usual, the 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion opens with a nuanced bouquet of cassis, cassis leaf, licorice, dark berries, wisteria and blueberry. Medium- to full-bodied, fleshy yet strikingly linear, it’s defined by a tensile structure and a crystalline precision that gives the wine remarkable clarity. The tannins are exquisitely refined—silky yet laser-focused—imparting a sense of purity and balanced. Despite 90% new oak, the élevage is seamlessly absorbed, shaping the wine’s structure without encroaching on its intrinsic balance and precision. Kudos! 04/2026

95-97

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

As to the Grand Vin 2023 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, this beauty checks in as 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot that was fermented with 60% whole cluster, brought up in 70% new barrels, with a good portion in foudre and amphora. It has a deep ruby/purple hue and vibrant aromatics of cassis and black cherries as well as leafy tobacco, spring flowers, woodsmoke, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it stays tight and compact on the palate, with a lively spine of acidity, beautiful precision and focus, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and outstanding length. It’s incredibly elegant, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this gain mid-palate density over the course of its élevage. It’s going to be long-lived. 05/2024

97

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire. Grand nez complexe et nuancé. Touches de bois de pin et de fumée. A l'agitation du verre, il change. Nuances de framboise écrasée. Fond crémeux. En bouche, c'est l'art de la glisse, tout fond, tendre, juteux, minutieux, sur un déroulé aérien qui prend peu à peu de la puissance et s'élève en finale, avant de finir mesuré, incrachable et délicieux. C'est superbe ! Assemblage : 50 % cabernet franc et pour la première fois 30 % cabernet sauvignon, 20 % merlot. Degré d'alcool : 13°5 - pH : 3,62. Vinification avec 60 % de vendange entière. Elevage : 70 % barriques neuves, 20 % foudres de 18 hl, 10 % amphores. 04/2024

98-99

James Suckling

James Suckling

This is a fantastic wine and very, very exciting, with purity and brightness to the floral, spicy and blackberry notes. It’s full and deep with agility and weightless. You feel the greatness in this. The winemaker says this is more concentrated and structured than the 2022. Lightly salty. 60% whole-berry fermentation. 50% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. From organically grown grapes. 04/2024