CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
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.
Yohan Castaing
Guillaume Pouthier and his team have once again crafted one of Bordeaux's most unique and characterful wines. Revealing aromas of mulberries and raspberries mingled with notions of vine smoke, orange zest, rose petals and spices, the 2023 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with a powerful, vibrant and complete mid-palate, concluding with a long, ethereal and mouthwateringly saline finish. Sensual, suave and seamless, its beautifully refined tannins are, analytically, more abundant than even those of the 2022 vintage, yet they are so brilliantly integrated as to be near-imperceptible. This blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot is crafted for longevity, though its refined structure will make it surprisingly approachable at an early age. It's maturing 70% in new oak barrels, 20% in 18-hectoliter foudres and 10% in amphorae. A creditable yield of 50 hectoliters per hectare represents a decided agronomic success in what was a challenging growing season.
JancisRobinson.com
50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Vines average age 50 years. Gravel on clay and limestone. 60% whole bunches. Aged 70% in new barrels, 20% in 18-hl foudres, 10% in amphorae. Bottled September 2025.First impression is dark, refined fruit, both rich and deep. A real beauty even in youth (and this was at the very end of a tasting of 60+ wines). Extremely smooth, very long and remarkably fresh. Dark, attractively savoury aftertaste. (JH)

