The 2019 Les Carmes Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend is a standout red wine from the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Les Carmes Haut Brion, this wine features a blend of 48% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 24% Merlot, with an alcohol content of 13.5%. It is closed with a cork and has been aged in a combination of new barrels, amphorae, and foudres.
The reviews for this vintage are overwhelmingly positive, with several reviewers awarding it near-perfect scores. According to Decanter, which gave it a score of 98, the wine is "immediately captivating with a lasting impression." The reviewer highlights its "gorgeous dark purple in the glass with blackcurrant notes, perfumed violets, dark chocolate, and hints of truffle," noting its aromatic intensity and balanced acidity.
James Suckling also praised the wine with a score of 97, describing its nose as having "such complexity of blackberry, forest floor, mushroom, and bark" and likening the experience to "walking in a deep forest." He commended its "dense palate" and "very fine texture," recommending to try it after 2028.
Jane Anson, who also rated the wine 97, noted the "rippling violet and peony waves alongside creamy blueberry and raspberry fruits," and described it as "gorgeous" and "complex." She suggested giving it five or six years before opening.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the wine 96 and highlighted its "full-bodied, velvety and seamless" nature, with flavors of "plums and cassis with notions of blood orange, warm spices, and new oak." The review noted its "elegantly muscular chassis of ripe, powdery tannins and lively acids."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com, who gave it a score of 98, described it as "silky, intense, fresh, elegant, deep and sensuous," with a "seamless finish that doesn't quit."
Jeb Dunnuck, also awarding a score of 98, referred to it as having a "deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel," and praised its "flawless balance" and "rare mix of power and elegance."
Vinous, with a score of 95, and The Wine Independent, with a score of 97, also provided high praise, noting its "beautifully-defined bouquet" and "intense and spicy" palate, respectively.
Overall, the 2019 Les Carmes Haut Brion is a highly acclaimed wine, with reviewers praising its complexity, balance, and aging potential, making it a valuable addition to any wine cellar.