2011 Carbonnieux

Ripe, spicy sweetness on the nose. Firm, chalky grip on the palate, needing more flesh to fill out the framework. Definitely seems to have lost something since the en primeur tastings. (JH)

For me, Carbonnieux always tastes similar to a grand cru Burgundy from the appellation of Corton. The deep ruby/plum-colored 2011 offers lots of cherry, earth and spice aromas along with loads of fruit, medium body and a surprisingly packed style. Still young and grapy, this beauty should develop the tell-tale signature of Pessac-Leognan with additional time in the bottle. Readers who have followed this estate, which is also renowned for their dry white wines, will be surprised by the intensity of their 2011. Give it several more years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15+ years.

A little smoky over concentrated citrus fruit. Creamy, mealy oak flavour. Very fresh but unexpectedly light on the mid palate. Fresh and notably persistent. (JH)