2022 Carbonnieux Rouge (Pessac-Leognan)

From this 92-hectare estate, the 2022 Carbonnieux is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, matured in 40% new oak in 225-liter barrels. The bouquet offers up elegant and vibrant aromas of cassis, blueberry, iris, violet and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is perfectly balanced, concentrated and fleshy, with velvety tannins and excellent concentration. This is an excellent Carbonnieux - indeed, it may be one of the best of modern times. 92-94 points

Sweet blueberry fruit on the opening, with smoked cedar oak. Black chocolate, slate, intense blackcurrant and bilberry fruits, this is fully ripe, with a bitter edge to the phenolics, but enjoyable and balanced by juicy acidities. 40% new oak, 32hl/h yield, harvest September 6 to 23. 93 points