{"product_id":"2017-chateau-les-carmes-haut-brion","title":"2017 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2017 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most exciting, insider-loved reds, offering a refined, modern expression of Bordeaux right next to the legendary Haut-Brion vineyards. Crafted in small quantities from a mere 6.4 hectares of prime gravelly terroir, this wine combines classic structure with a highly seductive aromatic profile. Recent investments and a visionary winemaking team have elevated Les Carmes Haut-Brion into the upper echelon of Graves properties, particularly among those who value elegance and detail over sheer power.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2017 Les Carmes Haut-Brion shows a deep garnet-purple hue, intense yet vibrant at the rim. The nose is immediately captivating: savory notes of black olives, charcuterie and a touch of Sichuan pepper weave through layers of bright redcurrant jelly, black cherries and cassis, with delicate hints of rose petals and candied mandarin peel adding lift and complexity.\n\nOn the palate, this is a medium-bodied Bordeaux with remarkable finesse and tension. The fruit is pure and precise rather than opulent, framed by very fine, tightly knit tannins that give a firm but graceful structure. Fresh acidity provides energy and drive, carrying flavors of ripe dark berries, subtle spice and graphite through a long, perfumed finish. While already impressive in its youth, this 2017 has clear aging potential; it should evolve beautifully over 10–20 years, gaining more nuance, softness and tertiary complexity with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChâteau Les Carmes Haut-Brion sits on exceptional Pessac-Léognan terroir characterized by deep gravel, sand and clay, just a stone’s throw from Château Haut-Brion itself. The estate’s small 6.4-hectare vineyard is planted predominantly to Cabernet Franc, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and is farmed with great attention to detail to ensure low yields and optimum ripeness. Grapes are harvested by hand in small parcels to respect each plot’s character and maturity. In the cellar, the team, guided by renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, employs a tailored vinification that may include a proportion of whole bunches, gentle extraction and a mix of vessels (including cement, stainless steel and oak) to preserve aromatic purity and finesse. The wine is then matured in carefully selected French oak barrels to add structure and complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural freshness and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis refined Pessac-Léognan pairs beautifully with classic Bordeaux-friendly dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, beef tenderloin, veal, or duck breast. Its savory notes also complement dishes featuring mushrooms, truffles, game birds and charcuterie, as well as aged hard cheeses like Comté or Tomme. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. In its youth, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the aromatics to open fully and the tannins to soften; with bottle age, a gentle 30–60 minute decant will be sufficient to remove any sediment and let the wine show its full complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChâteau Les Carmes Haut-Brion has a storied history that traces back several centuries, its name reflecting the Carmelite monks who once owned the land. Today, the estate is owned by Patrice Pichet, who has overseen a comprehensive renovation of both the vineyards and the cellar, including a strikingly modern winery building that has become an architectural landmark in Bordeaux. Under the guidance of acclaimed consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, the château has rapidly gained a reputation among critics and collectors as one of the rising stars of Pessac-Léognan. Its proximity to Château Haut-Brion and its commitment to meticulous viticulture and precision winemaking have cemented Les Carmes Haut-Brion’s status as a benchmark for contemporary, terroir-driven Graves wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Les Carmes Haut Brion","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251829952849,"sku":"GCW-MMUI-173152","price":123.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/les_carmes_haut-brion_2017.png?v=1783441697","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2017-chateau-les-carmes-haut-brion","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}