2011 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Les Carmes Haut-Brion, which has a slightly lower pH than the 2010, was aged for 12 to 14 months in barrel (60% new). There is a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, nicely detailed though not complex. Hints of liquorice emerge with time and become more "plummy" in the glass, sloes perhaps? The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. A little austere coming straight after the 2010. Correct and linear, the finish is smudged at first but meliorates in the glass and ends up more pleasurable than the 2010. Don't be afraid to decant this. Tasted at the Les Carmes Haut-Brion vertical at the château.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Decanter
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is another gem in this vintage that's drinking nicely today. Coming from a vineyard near Haut-Brion, it has surprising ripeness in its red and black currants, sandalwood, spice, and scorched earth-like aromatics. Beautiful on the palate as well, it builds nicely with time in the glass, has medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It will hold for another 10-15 years and have a gradual decline after that.
42% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 12 months in barrel (60% new oak). Ruby-garnet colour. Plenty of freshness on the nose with mint and floral notes. Long and linear if a little fluid. Plenty of tension. Slightly hard and austere on the finish but has persistence. Could surprise in terms of longevity. (JL)
The 2011 Les Carmes Haut-Brion has a slightly subdued bouquet, though it responds to aeration, offering attractive scents of tobacco, cedar and black olive, a marine-like scent in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, black pepper liberally sprinkled over the black fruit with a graphite finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
About the producer
One of the most exciting properties in Bordeaux, Les Carmes Haut-Brion technically sits within the city’s limits today. Guillaume Pouthier arrived in 2012 and, under his tenure, the property has been elevated to the highest ranks.