Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2021 – Pessac-Léognan

The nose is pretty and reveals power, controlled intensity, accuracy, an infusion character, a touch of darkness/density, and a discreet velvety/powdery side. There are notes of bright wild blackberry, juicy/pulpy blackcurrant and more lightly camphor combined with hints of crushed raspberry, fairly ripe blue berries as well as fine hints of roasted cherry, violet, fine hints of incense, black pepper, a subtle hint of cornflower, star anise, a discreet hint of roasted almond and a subtle hint of smoke. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, freshness, good definition, acidity, good definition, gourmandize, nice energy, stretch, good structure, complexity, depth, finesse. On the palate this wine expresses juicy/fresh raspberry, fresh/elegant bigarreau cherry and more lightly tart/juicy small red berry notes combined with hints of violet, blueberry as well as subtle hints of star anise, sap, subtle hints of camphor/incense, graphite, roast, a hint of hazelnut, very discreet hints of varietal, positive bitterness (in the background). The tannins are fine, elegant, racy. A nice approach to Cabernet Franc in harmony and elegance.