Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Les Carmes Haut-Brion is charting a singular course in its upturned silver hull. Its ascent has been rapid. Given the money invested, you could argue that this is no remarkable feat. Yet, the thinking behind it intrigues me and bolsters the reputation of Pessac-Léognan.
Neal Martin, Vinous.com
Originally a part of Château Haut-Brion, Les Carmes Haut-Brion became separate from the “first growth” during the French Revolution when it was bestowed upon the Carmelite order. In more recent history, the Château's prominence soared under the directorship of Guillaume Pouthier. My visits to this vineyard have been captivating, partly due to Guillaume's warm hospitality and also his innovative winemaking techniques. He fearlessly discarded the traditional Bordeaux winemaking rulebook, bringing a breath of fresh air to the estate. Having previously worked at Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley, Guillaume's approach has been a mini-revolution of its kind, and it comes as no surprise that, under his guidance, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion has become one of the most eagerly anticipated releases each year.
"The 2020 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is a fabulous second wine...Today I find it irresistibly delicious."
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
Guillaume is best known for adopting whole bunch fermentation, a technique in which grape clusters are introduced into fermentation vessels without prior de-stemming—a departure from the customary practice in Bordeaux. The success of this method hinges on the grapes being exceptionally healthy and fully ripe to prevent the development of unwanted vegetal characteristics in the final wine. The mesoclimate of Carmes Haut-Brion, situated inside the city of Bordeaux, ensures optimal grape conditions. Additionally, conducting vinification in small batches allows for precise control over the process. The resulting wine exhibits heightened aromatics, featuring abundant red berry characteristics in contrast to the more common blackcurrant flavours typically associated with the region.
