Cory Gowan, JJ Buckley, April 2011

60% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, and 3% a mix of petit verdot and carmenere. Aged for 15-18 months in 35-40% new barrels. From sloping, deep, gravelly soils with some clay. One of the oldest Graves estates, Carbonnieux has been making wine since the 13th century without interruption! The nose is slightly muted at this stage and a bit herbal, but it has a soft, elegant entry onto the palate. Loads of attractive blue fruit and licorice in the mouth lead to a medium length finish.

89 -90 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2011

I like the blueberry, menthol and mineral character, with full body, and silky, refined tannins. Tiny bit short.

90 points,

Jancis Robinson, November 2012

Pure, dark, intense cassis. Firm, savoury and powerful but makes a harmonious whole. Dense, chewy finish and still has freshness. 17/20 (JH)

91 -93 points,

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, April 2011

There is a touch of sur-maturite on the nose although the delineation is commendable and it seems to mellow in the glass, that over-ripeness diminishing. The palate is full-bodied and dominated by the tannins that seem to be fully ripe, whilst the finish demonstrates good delineation and persistency. This has very good potential.

Neil Mechanic, JJ Buckley, February 2013

60% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 10% cabernet franc. Aged in 40% new oak. With its healthy, opaque purple hue, this is the most concentrated Pessac-Leognan of the vintage. A bit closed and restrained (probably due to recent bottling and overseas travel), dried cassis can still be detected, as well as undertones of soy sauce and licorice. Cassis again takes center stage on the mid-palate with a substantial tannin component that suggests a wine with tremendous staying power. Here's a wine that can easily cellar for another 20 to 25 years. Personally, I feel that this bottle release needs to be re-tasted in another six months. However, it's still a broad shouldered effort, more reminiscent of a Pauillac than a Graves. Best to hold until 2017 and enjoy through 2035.

90 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2013

Extremely soft, up-front, classic Pessac-Leognan, the 2010 Carbonnieux possesses plenty of unsmoked cigar tobacco, roasted herbs, lavender, sweet kirsch and black currant fruit and sweet tannin. Seductive, lush and sensual, it is rather Burgundian in its elegant, savory, evolved style. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. -Robert Parker

93 points,

Wine Enthusiast, May 2013

Big, dusty tannins are forward on this firmly structured wine. Very dense in its character and style, serious and dark, it will develop slowly as its more juicy side begins to show through. -R.V.

91 points,

Wine Spectator, March 2013

Intense, with dark, smoldering tobacco and charcoal leading the way, along with densely layered currant preserves, fig paste and blackberry coulis flavors. The finish lets the pure fruit sing, while a violet note waits in reserve. Best from 2014 through 2024. -JM

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