CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion contains the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (34%) in recent years, with 40% Cabernet Franc and 26% Merlot. It aged for two years in 80% new barrels, 10% <em>foudres</em> and 10% sandstone amphora. This is the first year with 100% infusion during vinification. It includes 70% whole cluster. This is very complex on the nose, as it showed in barrel, displaying blackberry mixed with wild hedgerow, pencil box and hints of cracked black pepper in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with quite elegant tannins, although the IPT is 95. Extremely well balanced, it is quite saline in the mouth with white pepper developing with aeration. The 2022 is very persistent on the finish. This is an intellectual Les Carmes Haut-Brion that will drink young, but there is clearly the substance to mature over many years. 13.2% alcohol.
JancisRobinson.com
40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot.Very dark blackish purple. Neat, concentrated but with the fruit rather than the tannins very much dominant. Almost gamey and with a very different structure from most of these 2022s. I'm not sure I'd pick it as a Graves but it's a very distinctive red bordeaux. Lightly sandy finish but not punishingly drying. More fragrant than most but a bit inky. (JR)