A little-known neighbour of châteaux Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion in the Pessac-Léognan region of Bordeaux, Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a jewel of a property, positioned on the same bank of gravel (graves) as its more famous namesakes.
The name comes from the Carmelite order of monks who owned the property from 1584 to 1789 and as the story goes, the Pontacs of Haut Brion awarded the monks the vineyard for praying for the family.
Now run by Didier Furt, the wines are sometimes up to 30% Cabernet Franc from some of the oldest vines on the property. The wine is bottled unfiltered and in great years, such as 2010 Le Carmes Haut Brion has the potential to age beautifully, I am delighted to offer a small parcel of the 2010 for sale. Please do let me know if you would like a case or two secured.
2010 Les Carmes Haut Brion – 220 GBP per six IB.
90 Points (Robert Parker)
The wine is less complex than a Chevalier, but displays plenty of raspberries, red currants and sweet cherries as well as hints of vanilla, smoke and Christmas fruitcake. The blend is 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, tipping the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol. Always elegant, stylish and medium-bodied, it should drink best between 2015 and 2030.
Wines from this small, jewel-like estate, not far from Haut-Brion, are always made in a somewhat finesse style, similar to those of the great estate to the south of this Pessac property, Domaine de Chevalier. Les Carmes Haut-Brion may have the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc of any well-known wine from the Pessac-Leognan region.
This wine is currently lying in our cellars in the UK and can be shipped to arrive in Singapore in June, sold subject to remaining unsold. E.O&E.
