2021 La Tour Carnet
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Shaded garnet. Intensely, leafily aromatic. Fresh fruit and drive here. Better than most! But it falls away on the end. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Earthy red and black fruits, leafy herbs, and cedar notes all emerge from the 2021 Château La Tour Carnet, a more foursquare, focused, firmer 2021 that offers charm. Give it a year or two and enjoy through 2031. It's not one of the more compelling Haut-Médocs in the vintage. The 2021 is 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 14 months in oak.
The 2021 La Tour Carnet has a slightly lean, black olive- and loam-scented bouquet, with touches of autumn leaves filtering through the black fruit. It is very restrained but it coheres in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a lean entry, a touch of green bell pepper lurking in the background, turning slightly bitter (again) toward the briny finish. Though it has shortcomings due to the growing season, I can still imagine it partnering well at the dinner table. This is not a memorable La Tour Carnet, but it has its place. NB A second bottle exhibits more cohesion.
The 2021 La Tour Carnet is a beautiful, expressive wine. Lifted aromatics convey freshness in a mid-weight Tour Carnet that is all class. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, white pepper, rose petal and blood orange give this effusive Haut-Médoc tons of charm. This is one of the hidden gems of the year.