Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2016 is a magnificent red wine from the esteemed Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves subregion of Bordeaux, France. The 2016 vintage is widely celebrated for its balance and finesse, benefitting from an exceptional growing season with favourable weather conditions, which allowed for optimal ripening. This wine is typically crafted from an intriguing blend dominated by Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing complexity and aromatic depth. The gravelly soils unique to the estate, rich in iron and sand, imbue the wine with its signature minerality and elegance. Meticulous vinification practices at Les Carmes Haut-Brion, including gentle extraction and careful ageing in high-quality oak, yield a wine with refined structure, pronounced freshness, and an exceptionally long finish. In the glass, expect alluring aromas of ripe blackcurrant, graphite, violets, and subtle spices, followed by a palate both silky and vibrant, where fine tannins and bright acidity promise excellent cellaring potential.

Pessac-Léognan, situated just south of the city of Bordeaux, stands as one of the region’s historical hearts for fine winemaking, renowned for both red and white wines of distinction. The climate here is marked by mild maritime influences from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, providing balanced rainfall and moderate temperatures, which contribute to a lengthy, even ripening period for the grapes. The soils are famed for deep gravels overlaying clay and sand, ideal for developing complexity and finesse. With viticulture tracing back centuries, many of the appellation’s estates enjoy storied pasts, and Les Carmes Haut-Brion is distinguished for its innovative approach and consistently high-quality releases.

For food pairing, this refined Bordeaux red excels alongside classic French cuisine. Its supple tannins and aromatic depth make it perfect for roasted lamb with garlic and rosemary, duck breast with plum sauce, or a rich beef bourguignon. Traditional Bordelaise dishes, such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (rib steak with a red wine and shallot sauce), make excellent matches. Aged cheeses like Comté or mature Gruyère can also beautifully complement the wine’s structure and aromatic complexity.

To best appreciate Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2016, serve it at around 16-18°C. Decanting an hour before tasting will fully reveal its complexities and finesse, making your experience all the more rewarding. This is a wine of depth and elegance, equally suited to special occasions and thoughtful cellaring.