2015 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

The 2015 Les Carmes Haut-Brion has a lifted, finely delineated nose with black cherry, wild mint and a dab of cough candy in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with plush tannins, but there is structure behind that slightly glossy façade. This has gentle grip and the right amount of black pepper that lends complexity on the finish. It just requires a bit of time. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners.

The 2015 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is the first vintage vinified with 100% infusion, including 55% whole bunches. This has a much more intense bouquet compared to the 2014: copious blackberries, blueberry and crushed violet scents, hints of blood orange and a light cassis touch with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine density and precision, good grip, edgy tannins with clearly more mineralité percolating through the finish. Excellent. Tasted at the Les Carmes Haut-Brion vertical at the château.

44% Cabernet Franc, 32% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. 60% whole-bunch vinification. First vintage vinified in the new cellar. Aged 24 months in new oak barrel (80%), foudre (10%) and amphora (10%) Deep crimson hue. Rich and ripe with berry-fruit notes on the nose, though not yet fully expressive. Full and large on attack then refocuses on the finish with length and drive. Texture smooth and suave. Abundant tannin but the tannins finely honed so no aggression. Rich but polished and balanced. (JL)