What the Critics Are Saying:
100 points, Peter Moser, Falstaff, www.falstaff.com:
“Deep dark ruby garnet with violet reflections. Ripe dark berry fruit, plums, floral notes, herbal spice, nougat and orange zest. Complex yet lively, with ripe cherries and cranberries, fine tannins and delicate extract sweetness. It lingers for minutes, already very convincing in its youth, with cassis and ripe cherries on the finish. Delicate, multifaceted and possessing great future potential.”
99-100 points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, www.jamessuckling.com:
“The precision is so seductive and intellectual, with aromas of fresh flowers, iron, graphite, cedar, blood oranges and black fruit. Medium-bodied with a compact palate of intense tannins that melt into the wine. Weightless in feel, finishing with incredible intensity and focus. Mostly co-fermented Cabernet Franc-led blend with 65% whole clusters.”
98-100 points, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider, www.thewinecellarinsider.com:
“Floral and deeply aromatic with black cherries, licorice, spice box and crushed rock notes. The palate shows silky textures, purity of fruit and a long, elegant finish. Clearly one of the greatest vintages ever produced here.”
97 points, Georgie Hindle, Decanter, www.decanter.com:
“Highly perfumed with violets, iris, peonies and exotic spice. Sleek, complex and energetic, combining depth and finesse with a long, graceful finish. Structured yet charming and already beautifully integrated.”
96-98 points, Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com:
“Deeper-hued than the C des Carmes cuvée, with a gorgeous perfume of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with graphite, leafy herbs, iris, and subtle floral, minty, and almost peppery nuances. Medium to full-bodied with a round, layered, expansive mouthfeel and ultra-fine tannins. No hard edges, perfectly integrated structure, and plenty of charm and character.”
96-98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, www.vinous.com:
“The 2025 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a huge, powerful wine that is going to need many years to come into its own. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, incense, melted road tar and licorice make a bold entrance. The wine shows unusual depth and intensity, built on a very high proportion of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 65% whole clusters. Today it is an infant, but clearly exceptional in potential.”
