Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Carmes Hb
Label Name:
 
Pessac Leognan
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Franc 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 34%, Merlot 26%
Method:
 
Harvested mid-September; ~55–65% whole-cluster fermentation, gentle submerged-cap extraction over ~5 weeks. Aged ~24 months in 80% new oak plus foudres and clay amphorae.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Bright red and black fruit (redcurrant, blackberry), rose petal, mint, lavender, spice, graphite and saline minerality. Medium-full, finely grained tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, perfumed finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast lamb, herb-crusted beef, duck à l'orange, mushroom risotto, pâté. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean barbecue (bulgogi), braised beef with fermented black beans, mapo tofu (less spicy).
Vineyard Info:
 
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, urban Pessac-Léognan estate (est. 1584). Owned by Patrice Pichet since 2010; technical director Guillaume Pouthier modernized winemaking and increased Cabernet Franc plantings.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 100; James Suckling 98; Jeb Dunnuck 96–98; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 97; Decanter 100; multiple top-100 lists and high en primeur praise