CHÂTEAU CARBONNIEUX
2017 Cru Classé Pessac-Léognan
The 2017 Carbonnieux has a light blackberry and raspberry scented bouquet with faint touches of iris developing through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, a fine bead of acidity; quite structured in style with a firm and slightly obdurate finish that just needs a little more flesh. This year I would opt for its white counterpart. Drinking range: 2021 - 2033 Rating: 88-90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)
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The 2017 Château Carbonnieux is also more than a little impressive. This medium-bodied, balanced, elegant red gives up notes of cassis, spring flowers, and classy oak. It’s not massive by any stretch yet excels on its balance and purity. Rating: 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Apr 2018)
Deep crimson. Sweet blackcurrant and just a touch of mint. A little severe on the palate, dark and savoury with a dark-chocolate aftertaste. Drinking range: 2022 - 2032 Rating: 16 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2018)
Dark berries with hints of dark chocolate spices. Medium to full body. Juicy finish. Rating: 91-92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)
Features a dark profile, with plum and black currant fruit layered with tar and warm anise notes. Offers modest grip. A streak of savory adds lift on the finish. Rating: 90-93 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2018)
The aromatic profile here feels a little diffuse, with a slightly roasted note to it, degrading the definition. And there is even a little hint of game here as well. The palate is heavily dressed in vanillin oak right now, but the fruit beneath has some charming crushed black-cherry character, along with a robust grip of tannins which persist into the finish, and a fresh acid bite. A very cool, sinewy substance, but that tannic structure dominates a little. A slightly more rustic style than some achieved in this vintage. Rating: 90-92 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2018)