Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion - Le C des Carmes 2020
Price: $35.96
| Producer | Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Pessac Leognan |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 603531 |
| Size | 750ml |
Le C des Carmes is far more than a typical second label. Sourced not from the estate’s famed city-center vineyard but rather from a 40-hectare plot near Haut-Bailly, it offers a distinct expression of Pessac-Léognan. The site’s more classic gravel and clay soils yield a structured, Cabernet Sauvignon–driven profile—something that sets Le C apart stylistically from other second labels but, there's something else unique to this second label.
What makes the 2020 vintage of Le C des Carmes particularly exciting is its use of whole-cluster fermentation—applied here to the Merlot component only. Our friends in Burgundy are well-versed in the aromatic lift and texture this technique can bring, but in Bordeaux, where tannins are naturally more pronounced, it’s nothing short of revolutionary. The result is a wine that marries depth with vibrancy: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon provides backbone, while the partially intact bunches of Merlot lend an unexpected freshness and floral energy. Vinified in a mix of stainless steel, wood, and concrete, then aged for 30 months in mostly used oak, this is a Bordeaux that feels both classic and forward-looking.
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.
Vinous Media: 91-93 Points
The 2020 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is a fabulous second wine. Rich, deep and so expressive, the C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is alluring from the very first taste. Succulent red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and cedar all wrap around the palate. The 2020 is brimming with character. Today I find it irresistibly delicious.
