50% cabernet sauvignon 40% merlot 7% cabernet franc with 3% petite verdot and carmenere from deep sloping gravelly soils mixed with clay. Aged for 15-18 months in 35-40% new oak barrels. This release is a pale bright red with aromas of minerals cranberry rose violet and plum. The palate has ample acidity with dry gravel flavors balancing the red fruit. Medium-bodied and fleshy this finishes with very dry tannins. One of the oldest estates in Graves Carbonnieux has been making wine without interruption since the 13th century! Drink 2015-2022.

The Carbonnieux '11 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked from around 5th September. It has a pleasant chalky bouquet with fresh blackberry raspberry leaf a touch of iodine and oaky notes that will be absorbed throughout its maturation. The palate is medium-bodied with tough tannins on the entry. It is masculine and rather foursquare although I appreciate the harmony and balance towards the finish that shows fine persistency.

For me, Carbonnieux always tastes similar to a grand cru Burgundy from the appellation of Corton. The deep ruby/plum-colored 2011 offers lots of cherry, earth and spice aromas along with loads of fruit, medium body and a surprisingly packed style. Still young and grapy, this beauty should develop the tell-tale signature of Pessac-Leognan with additional time in the bottle. Readers who have followed this estate, which is also renowned for their dry white wines, will be surprised by the intensity of their 2011. Give it several more years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15+ years. 90+ - Robert Parker