Carbonnieux 2019

The 2019 Carbonnieux has turned out beautifully. All the elements come together in a deep, textured Pessac-Léognan that is an absolute delight to taste today. Wild cherry, licorice, mocha, dried herbs, orange peel, mint and spice give the 2019 gorgeous layers of nuance. There's wonderful depth here and plenty of staying power too. Drink 2024-2039.

Exhibiting aromas of earthy black fruits, bay leaf, burning embers and forest floor, the 2019 Carbonnieux is medium to full-bodied, rich and enveloping, with a broad attack that segues into a fleshy core of fruit framed by ripe acids and fine, powdery tannins that assert themselves gently on the finish. Drink 2025-2045.

The 2019 Carbonnieux has quite a showy, pastille-like bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite plush and showy with a touch of white pepper on the finish. This should age well in bottle although it fails to replicate its deeply impressive showing after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2024-2040.

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Carbonnieux was harvested from the 18th of September to the 10th of October. Yields were 45 hectoliters per hectare this year. The alcohol came in at 14.5% with a pH of 3.69. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 40% new, for an anticipated 12-15 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it prances out of the glass with invigorating scents of fresh redcurrants, black cherries and cassis with touches of bay leaves, pencil shavings and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has impressive vivacity with loads of crunchy black fruits and a refreshing line, framed by grainy tannins, finishing with a minty lift.