CHÂTEAU CARLMAGNUS
2017 Fronsac
We've been following this Fronsac estate with interest for quite a few vintages now. This 2017 has a deep core of blackberry and cherry fruit with quite a bit of vanilla and spice. The concentration and intensity are excellent, so not for the faint-hearted, but it's not at all clumsy. There is plenty of flow towards a long and pleasingly fresh finish. The tannins are really quite marked at the moment but, as in previous vintages, this should mellow out to create a really impressive and opulent Fronsac. Drinking range: 2023 - 2035 Rating: 88-90 L&S (Apr 2018)
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The 2017 Carlmagnus is a soft, fruity Fronsac to drink over the near and medium term, before the fruit totally fades. Dried cherry, mint, tobacco are overpowered by sweet oak and a slight vegetal streak Drinking range: 2020 - 2025 Rating: 87 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Mar 2020)
The 2017 Carlmagnus has a very intense, rather glossy bouquet with precocious dark cherry and crème de cassis aromas that rather swamp the idea of terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied and supple tannins. A fine bead of acidity, leads to a dense and sadly, rather monotone finish. Drinking range: 2022 - 2029 Rating: 86 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Feb 2020)
The 2017 Carlmagnus has a bright, lively bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and red cherry aromas, a floral note with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. Sure, it is a little oaky towards the mocha infused finish but it feels long and harmonious with a caressing finish. Worth investigating! Drinking range: 2022 - 2035 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)
A solid and chewy red with dark-berry and cherry character. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Clean. Rating: 89-90 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)
Château Carlmagnus
Château Carlmagnus is the top property of several owned and run by Arnaud Roux-Oulié. Six and a half hectares of limestone and clay, 100% Merlot, on the slope of a rise close to the Tertre de Fronsac.