Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2018 – Pessac-Léognan

The nose is aromatic, fresh and offers a controlled power, a beautiful finesse of the grain as well as intensity, deepness and a beautiful raciness. It reveals notes of pulpy/ripe cassis, wild blackberry and small notes of small ripe wild fruits associated with small touches of small fresh/crunchy blue fruits as well as fine hints of small crunchy red berries, fine hints of graphite, rose, very fine hints of sweet spices, cocoa and a very discreet hint of grey pepper. The palate is fruity, fresh, well-balanced and offers an acidulous frame, juiciness, suavity (full of finesse), straightness (full of finesse/elegance), a beautiful finesse of the structure (despite the power), a “franc” side as well as tension. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy cassis, pulpy/juicy blackberry and small notes of small wild black berries associated with touches of grey pepper, camphor juicy/crunchy plum as well as small hints of chocolate, very fine hints of caramelization, toasted, nutmeg, a beautiful salinity, a square of silk, very fine hints of peach flowers, fresh lilac very discreet hints of sweet spices and an imperceptible hint of toasted. Tannins are well-built. Good length. A beautiful stretched, “multi-layered” and well-balanced wine.