2025 Carbonnieux Rouge (Pessac-Leognan)

Well structured, fairly tight in its fruit structure, dark bilberries and slate, orange peel, one of the wines that need time to unroll and open. The fresh acidities are liliting and will soften further over ageing. Marc Perrin now working with his father Eric and uncle Philibert. Yield 28hl/ha, 3.63 pH. Harvest September 4 to 24. 20% new oak. 93 points

The 2025 Carbonnieux is a fine success, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis and flowers, accented by delicate spice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense, layered and well balanced, it is built around a core of fruit with good depth and framed by velvety, precise tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed and ethereal finish. This is a compelling value. 92-94 points

The 2025 Carbonnieux packs a pretty substantial punch. Dark-toned fruit, gravel, incense, licorice, dried herbs, menthol and espresso infuse the palate with tremendous depth. The tannins are quite broad and chocolatey, but they are very nicely balanced. 92-94 points

The 2025 Carbonnieux has a well-defined bouquet with lifted blackberry, cassis and violet scents, showing more harmony and focus than previous vintages that had left me a little underwhelmed. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine acidity, upfront black fruit laced with graphite and black pepper towards the finish. This is a step in the right direction for Carbonnieux after a decidedly mixed period. 91-93 points