2x100 Points: 2020 Carmes Haut Brion in rare Double Magnums

Les Carmes Haut Brion is the very definition of a rising star; a chateau that has seemingly come from nowhere in recent years to take a seat right at the very top table in quality. It has become a must-own wine, so, with two hundred point scores from the critics, the 2020 vintage is an immense proposition, especially in rare large formats. We are, therefore, delighted to have some double magnums to offer directly from our cellars in the UK.

A look at the notes from the critics shows this to be an incredible young wine. For Antonio Galloni, it is “a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away” and tops out his scoring system. It’s the same story for Decanter’s Georgina Hindle, who calls it “Cool, classic, sharp and decisive with a flawless texture” and gives it 100 points.

Details are below, do take a look and let us know if you would like any of these lovely double magnums secured:

2020 Chateau Carmes Haut Brion

4*3L D-Mags (1*300cl OWC) @ £600 per double magnum in bond

100 points Antonio Galloni

The 2020 Les Carmes Haut–Brion is a total stunner. For the first time I can remember, Les Carmes Haut–Brion marries all of its elements so well that nothing stands out. In the past, the high percentage of Franc and/or the whole clusters were evident. The 2020 is the first modern vintage in which all the elements are so well balanced. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint, lavender, dried herbs and incense all build in a ravishing Pessac-Léognan that will take your breath away.

The 2020 is 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot, picked between September 14 to 26, which is early here. Whole cluster was 55%. Vinification took place over five weeks, using very gentle extraction, with no pumpovers or punchdowns. Aging was 80% new oak, 11% 18hL foudres and 9% amphorae. In tasting, the 2020 is simply magnificent. There are no soloists, just the most exceptionally vivid, breathtaking orchestra imaginable. The 2020 is a masterpiece from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier and his team. Don’t miss it! (2022) www.vinous.com Drink 2030-2070

100 Decanter (Georgina Hindle)

The best 2020s seem to be confident without showing off or shouting too loudly and this Carmes does just that. Focused and precise, this is complex and characterful, rich yet vibrant with a texture and taste that makes an impact straight away. Fresh black fruits, floral notes and sensational minerality do the talking – it has weight, density and structure – broad and bold yet svelte, it has direction and persistence, building quickly then settling and elongating with such clarity and purity. This is a wine you want to drink. Cool, classic, sharp and decisive with a flawless texture. Whereas 2019 was more generous, this is more classic and easy to understand. An excellent job – seemingly effortless winemaking in 2020 – and a bottle that is sure to be emptied pretty quickly. (2023) www.decanter.com

Offered subject to final confirmation. Available from our cellars in the UK.

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