NEW: C des Carmes Haut Brion 2021

New Release

We are pleased to offer the latest release from Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion in the shape of their second wine, Le C des Carmes Haut Brion 2021.

Carmes Haut Brion is  “one of Bordeaux's most unique and characterful wines”. Under the inspired leadership of winemaker Guillaume Pouthier since 2012, Carmes Haut Brion has become one of Bordeaux's most acclaimed wines wines, and has deservedly won many devoted fans. 

About Carmes Haut Brion

Neighbouring Haut Brion, Carmes Haut Brion is an historic, walled vineyard of just 10 hectares - making it one of the smallest productions of the Left Bank.  The vineyard is planted with an exceptionally high proportion of old vine Cabernet Franc, 50% with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. 

Technical Info

Winemaking is careful, detailed & unique in Bordeaux:  whole bunch fermentation, an 'infusion' approach to extraction by submerging the cap, giving super-fine, fully-integrated tannins.  Ageing is a careful of combination of clay amphorae & new oak, to fully emphasise the fruit rather than mask with oak. 

2021 Vintage

A cooler year, 2021 is smaller-scaled than 2020 or 2022 either side of it but has nonetheless produced very satisfying wines, with the finest achieving exquisite harmony & finesse. 2021 was a triumphant vintage for Carmes Haut Brion, achieving 'explosive' intensity, lift & balance.  'Very possibly one of the wines of the vintage', writes Antonio Galloni, with Neal Martin in agreement, noting 'a sense of symmetry'. "The 2021 Les Carmes Haut-Brion was one of the best wines of the vintage when I tasted from barrel":  

The second wine of Les Carmes Haut Brion, C des Carmes Haut Brion, is made with the same care & attention, from grapes grown near Smith Haut Lafitte & Haut Bailly.  This is an 'absolutely delicious' Bordeaux that shows the light touch of finely judged fruit & a gorgeous texture that sets it apart from other wines. 2021 vintage is the first with a new label and a soft wax capsule.  A great deal for a unique wine & exceptionally skilful winemaking!

C des Carmes 2021 is available to buy now, and will be shipped to UK in Spring 2025.

Les Carmes Haut Brion 2021

The 2021 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion contains 22% whole-bunch (to be exact). It has a lovely bouquet with peony and light white flower scents percolating through the black fruit. This is fresh and cohesive. The palate is medium-bodied with a very saline entry, showing black olive mixed with blackberry and bilberry fruit. Finely structured toward the finish, this is an absolutely delicious Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion that will get even better with bottle age.

92+ - Neal Martin

The 2021 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is a stellar wine. Rich, complex and super-expressive, the C possesses notable depth and textural intensity. The C emerges from a separate property from Les Carmes Haut-Brion itself, located between Smith and Haut Bailly, where the microclimate is warmer. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend in this deeply textured red. The 2021 was done with 25% stems, but the whole clusters are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Gravel, tobacco, incense and scorched earth add layers of dimension as it opens in the glass, while floral notes appear on the finish. Above all, I really admire the persistence here. This spent 24 months in oak—25% in French oak barrels and 75% in 30hL casks. I think this is the sole 2021 that is not in bottle yet!?

91-93 - Antonio Galloni

Fresh and racy, with beautiful cherries, dried orange peels, peppercorn and spices. It’s so vibrant and agile on the palate, with medium body and crunchy, lively tannins. Juicy and tense. Firm but very fine and silky in the end. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 2% petit verdot. Already attractive, but better after a year or two.

94 - James Suckling

Wines offered In Bond UK, excluding duty & VAT.

View all vintages of Carmes Haut Brion & C des Carmes