Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion 2022

Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is the second wine of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion in Pessac-Léognan, on the urban gravel terraces inside the city of Bordeaux. The vineyard sits on deep Günzian gravel over clay and sand, a warm, free draining soil that ripens Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot fully while the nearby Peugue stream tempers the heat. The estate is known for whole bunch fermentation, keeping a share of stems for aromatic lift and fine tannin, and the wine is raised for around 24 months in a mix of amphorae and barrel. The amphorae give slow micro oxygenation without oak flavour, while the barrels add structure and a measure of toast, the two together yielding a polished, perfumed style. Farming is sustainable. The wine is deep ruby with crimson lights, layering blackcurrant, dark cherry, violet and graphite with a savoury, peppery thread from the stems. The tannins are firm but fine and the finish is long and cool. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted up to two hours, with roast beef, rack of lamb or hard mature cheese.