Château Carbonnieux 2022

Château Carbonnieux is one of the few Bordeaux estates classed as Cru Classé of Graves for both its reds and whites, farming 170 hectares in Pessac-Léognan on the west bank of the Garonne. The name Graves comes from the soil: deep beds of gravel and pebbles over clay and limestone that drain freely, force the vines to root deep and radiate stored warmth at night, ripening Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot fully. The blend is fermented and then ages 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, a portion new, where slow oxygen transfer through the wood knits the tannins into a finer texture and adds cocoa, cedar and light spice around the fruit. The wine is deep ruby. The nose shows violet, black cherry and ripe plum over dark chocolate, tobacco and a graphite note. The palate is full bodied and concentrated, with ripe dark fruit, firm, polished tannins and a savoury, structured finish that rewards time. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for one to two hours. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and game.