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.
94 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)
A fruity and bright red with cherries, redcurrants and sea salt. Medium to full body. Lovely tannins that are melted in the wine. Juicy and dynamic. 100% whole cluster fermentation. From vineyards in Pessac Leognan. This is really fantastic and so energetic. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
94 points, James Suckling (May 2023)
Smells rich with perfumed blackcurrants. Clean and crisp on the palate, a smooth and silky texture but with crunchy and bright, almost sharp fruit - dark cherries, plums and figs edged with a chalky, minerality. Clearly charming, this is succulent, supple and so easy to like with excellent drinkability. Refreshing and totally moreish. 3.6pH. Ageing 30% new oak, 60% foudre (30-50hl), 10% amphoras. 35% whole bunch.
94 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2023)
Great purity and depth of fruit, with excellent weight and depth to the blue and black fruits, along with the signature salinity that you find in Carmes. Finesse and drinkability. 32% stems, 22% new oak, with the rest large oak casks and 10% amphora for ageing, 3.65ph, from vines located in Martillac. This will stay at the estate for another 12 months before release. One of the best 2nd wines of the vintage.
93 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2023)
The 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out with notes of juicy blueberries, stewed blackberries, and cassis, plus suggestions of violets, Sichuan pepper, crushed rocks, and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate is soft and lively, with bright black fruits and an earthy finish.
92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Mar 2023)