Carmes Hb Pessac Leognan 2011

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Carmes Hb
Label Name:
 
Pessac Leognan
Vintage:
 
2011
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Pessac-Léognan
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 42%, Cabernet Franc 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 18%
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Notable scores for the 2011 Les Carmes Haut-Brion include: Robert Parker (WA) ~92, James Suckling 92, Jane Anson 92, James Molesworth 90–93, Vinous (Neal Martin) ~90–91

Tasting Note
Medium-bodied Bordeaux with red and black berries, tobacco, cedar, graphite and smoked-earth notes. Fine acidity, grainy but integrated tannins and a long, slightly mineral finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, grilled steak, beef bourguignon, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (barbecue pork), Korean BBQ short ribs, miso-glazed aubergine, braised duck with soy and five-spice.

Production Method
Hand-harvested grapes; fermentation in a mix of wooden, concrete and stainless vats; aged ~12–14 months in French oak (c.60% new); consultant input from Stéphane Derenoncourt.

Vineyard Info
Small historic estate adjacent to Haut-Brion; founded on former Carmelite lands. Purchased by Patrice Pichet in 2010/2011; modernized cellar and vineyard management under Guillaume Pouthier.