2021 Carbonnieux Rouge (Pessac-Leognan)

The 2021 Carbonnieux is gorgeous. It has more than enough mid-palate depth and overall richness to fill out its frame. Dark red cherry, plum, cinnamon, spice and incense all flesh out with a bit of aeration. Pliant and yet also nicely structured, the 2021 is a winner. I loved it. 91-93 points

The 2021 Carbonnieux has a focused, quite perfumed bouquet of blackberry, blueberry and crushed stone aromas; the oak is well-integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, and a little short, perhaps, yet balanced, leading to an unassuming finish. Not an exciting Carbonnieux, but I suspect it will develop well in barrel. 89-91 points

Vibrant fresh fruit on the attack, majoring on blueberry, redcurrant, blackberry, plenty of life, with a fresh core and grip. Floral aromatics as it opens. Cabernet dominant in character, savoury and lean, with quince and lemongrass showing that ripeness is on the edge. Lower Merlot in the blend than usual after mildew, but this is a generous (for the year) 40hl/h yield oveall. Tasted twice. 89 points