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Les Carmes Haut Brion 2012 (750ML)
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Critic Scores, Reviews & Descriptions
94 VM / 94 WA / 93 WCI / 93 JA / 92 JS/ 92 WE / 17 JR
A powerful, intense wine, the 2012 Les Carmes Haut-Brion exudes richness and depth. Game, smoke, tobacco, grilled herbs, black cherries and incense are some of the signatures. This explosive, powerful Pessac is going to need time to settle down, but it is exceptionally beautiful, even at this very early stage. Les Carmes Haut-Brion is marked by its high percentage of Cabernet Franc (38%) which is unusual in this part of Pessac, and its fabulous terroir. All of that is on full display here. Don't miss it!
An inky, bluish-black color, this wine has deep black raspberry and blueberry notes mixed with charcoal, graphite and subtle smoke. Rich, full-bodied and silky textured, this complex, stunning Pessac-Léognan from this tiny jewel of a vineyard near Haut Brion is hitting all the high notes in 2012. It should drink well for 15-20. This is another bottled wine that dramatically out-performed its barrel sample. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The first year with Guillaume Pouthier as technical director, and (not coincidentally) the first where stems were being introduced into the winemaking process (they went straight in with 30%). A richer, more gourmet vintage than 2011 generally, and you feel it – certainly there is no indication that using stems is making the wine less concentrated, as this has a significantly more precision and punch than the 2011, and for me is more successful. Sappy juice runs through the plate, along with raspberry, red cherry and blackberry fruits, creamy brioche through the mid palate, with smoked cedar and campfire. Fresh acidities on the finish and a tingle of minerality perhaps give a hint of something different happening in the winemaking. 3.65ph, 40% new oak.-Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
On the nose and palate this red suggests blackberries with cedar notes and hints of spices. Full body, silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish. The minerality and length is wonderful. This keeps getting better and better. Drink in 2020. - James Suckling
New wood shows strongly in this wine that has structure and a dry core to match the ripe berry fruits and rich texture. The wine has potential with its juicy fruitiness and dark chocolate flavors. Wait until 2019 before drinking. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
Tasted blind. Dark, shaded crimson. Thick and sweet. Real concentration but not too exaggerated. Quite a triumph for the vintage. Teetering on the edge of being over the top.-Jancis Robinson
