- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2017 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France
Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Among the classic elegance of Pessac-Léognan, the Carmes top wine has carved out its own niche. Unprecedented proportions of Cabernet Franc offer a silky power which is then supported by the intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Within this structure, Merlot develops rounded and refined fruitiness: balance is the order of the day, ensuring a style that is complex and delicious in equal measures.
Blend:
41% Cabernet Franc
30% Merlot
29% Cabernet Sauvignon
VINEYARDS
Total surface area of the vineyard in 2017: 29.6 ha.
Plots used to make the Grand Vin: 7.6 ha.
Plantation density: 10,000 vines / ha.
Average age of the vines in 2017: 42 years
Soil types: Mindel gravel over a clay-limestone substrate
Harvesting: 100% hand-picked
Harvest dates: 4 - 9 Sept 2017
VINIFICATION TECHNIQUES
Vats used: Temperature-controlled vats: 60 hl conical stainless steel 50 hl concrete 76 hl wood
Initial fermentation: 25 - 30 days on average
Malolactic fermentation in the barrels: Partial
Barrel maturing: 24 months 65% in new barrels 35% in used barrels, tuns, concrete vats and terra cotta amphorae
Noteworthy features of the vinification and / or maturing processes: All vats vinified without crushing, and partly by whole bunch fermentation. Cap punching only.
Composition of the wine: 13% alc./ 3.59 pHpH