Carmes Hb Pessac Leognan 2019

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Carmes Hb
Label Name:
 
Pessac Leognan
Vintage:
 
2019
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Pessac-Léognan (Graves), Bordeaux
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Franc 42%, Cabernet Sauvignon 31%, Merlot 27%
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Highly rated: James Suckling ~98, Jeb Dunnuck ~98, Vinous/Antonio Galloni ~97, Decanter 96, The Wine Advocate ~95–96 (critics and scores vary by source)

Tasting Note
Inky, perfumed red with black cherry, cassis, violet and forest-floor notes. Silky texture, chalky minerality, savory herbs, dark chocolate and smoky spice; vibrant acidity and fine, powdery tannins leading to a long saline finish.

Food Pairing
Roast lamb, beef short ribs, duck breast, mushroom risotto; aged Comté or hard cheeses. Asian pairings: Peking duck, char siu, Korean barbecue (bulgogi), rich Sichuan dishes or mushroom-based Chinese dishes.

Production Method
High proportion whole-bunch fermentation (~55–60%), extended maceration; élevage ~24–26 months in mostly new French oak barriques with portions aged in amphorae and large foudres.

Vineyard Info
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a historic Pessac-Léognan estate (now owned by the Pichet group) led by Guillaume Pouthier; noted for high Cabernet Franc plantings, modern cellar and innovative whole-cluster techniques.