Chateau Carbonnieux
Pessac Leognan Grand Cru Classe De Graves Rouge 2018
Other years:
2023| Denomination | AOC Pessac Léognan |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Bordeaux (France) |
| Grape varieties | 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot |
| Aging | In French oak barrels for 15-18 months (35-40% new). |
| Other years | 2023 |
- Main details: vintage 2018, 14.5% vol, 0.75 l; Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux) designation
- Varietal composition: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
- Vinification: fermentation in steel, maturation for 15-18 months in French oak barrels
- Tasting profile: ripe fruit, slight smoky note, rich tannins, persistent finish
- Ratings received: 94 Wine Spectator, 93 James Suckling, 90 Robert Parker
Description
What kind of wine it is
Château Carbonnieux is a still red wine that embodies the classic elegance of Bordeaux and the prestige of the Grand Cru Classé de Graves. It is crafted from a refined blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of ripe fruit enriched by delicate smoky and toasted nuances. On the palate, it reveals a rich and velvety tannic structure, characterised by a fleshy texture and a long, persistent finish. Its complexity makes it ideal for pairing with roast meats, tuna steaks and mature cheeses, best served at a temperature of 18-19°C.
Where it comes from
The wine originates from the historic vineyards of Léognan, located in the renowned Pessac-Léognan area. In this privileged corner of Bordeaux, the exceptional soils impart a distinctive mineral expression to the wine, perfectly balancing the fruit's density and the influence of oak. The vines, planted at a density of 7,200 plants per hectare and with an average age of 26 years, maintain low yields, encouraging extraordinary aromatic concentration. Harvesting is carried out strictly by hand-picking, with meticulous passes through the rows to select bunches at the perfect ripeness for each grape variety.
How it is produced
The vinification of Château Carbonnieux is based on the selection of only the finest lots. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures for a period of three to four weeks. Regular pumping over ensures a slow and gentle extraction, essential for preserving the roundness of the grape varieties and the identity of the terroir. Subsequently, the wine matures for between fifteen and eighteen months in French oak barrels, some of which are new. This ageing process enhances the bouquet with spicy notes and gives stability to the tannic structure.
History and Curiosities
A true expression of Bordeaux tradition, this Pessac-Léognan AOC from Château Carbonnieux boasts the prestigious Grand Cru Classé de Graves classification. The memorable 2018 vintage overcame a difficult start, resulting in a limited but exceptionally high-quality production, obtained from 26-year-old vines expertly harvested by hand. Ageing in French oak barrels for 15-18 months enriches its noble and smooth tannic structure. An absolute excellence, awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator, 93 by James Suckling, and 90 by Robert Parker.
Awards
-
2018
93/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2018
90/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2018
94/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
After the suffering of two World Wars, Bordeaux viticulture had reached its lowest ebb. There was a terrible frost in the winter of 1956 and it was in this same year that Marc Perrin who had bought the estate, set to work on the renovation of the château and its vineyard. With the help of his son, he first started a significant replanting campaign that took the estate to 45 hectares in 1970 then to 70 hectares in 1980, to reach almost 95 hectares today. When his father passed away, Antony took over, he built a new fermentation cellar and modernized the cellars to adapt to new vinification methods. He continued the restoration of the château and the vineyards and focused on increasing the renown of Carbonnieux and Bordeaux wines throughout the world. He was president of the "Union of Grands Crus de Bordeaux", president of the "Crus Classés de Graves" as well as being one of the forerunners of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, created in 1987. Over the years he passed on the family winemaking heritage and his skills to his children Eric, Christine and Philibert Perrin. Today the torch has been passed on to them and once again the estate has reached a peak. In the footsteps of their father, Eric held the office of president of the "crus classés de Graves" between 2012 and 2015 and since 2017, Philibert has been that of president of the Pessac-Léognan appellation. In 2019, The family has grown, Eric's eldest sons join the work teams. Marc for a commercial part and Andréa as an oenologist in charge of the winemaking. Read more
| Name | Chateau Carbonnieux Pessac Leognan Grand Cru Classe De Graves Rouge 2018 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Pessac Léognan AOC |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Vendor | Chateau Carbonnieux |
| Story | History and Curiosities A true expression of Bordeaux tradition, this Pessac-Léognan AOC from Château Carbonnieux boasts the prestigious Grand Cru Classé de Graves classification. The memorable 2018 vintage overcame a difficult start, resulting in a limited but exceptionally high-quality production, obtained from 26-year-old vines expertly harvested by hand. Ageing in French oak barrels for 15 8 months enriches its noble and smooth tannic structure. An absolute excellence, awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator, 93 by James Suckling, and 90 by Robert Parker. |
| Origin | Léognan (France) |
| Plants per hectare | 7200 |
| Yield per hectare | 33 hl/ha |
| Harvest | Manual harvest: Merlot from 17/09 to 25/09; Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot on 26/09; Cabernet Sauvignon from 28/09 to 06/10. |
| Fermentation | 3-4 weeks |
| Production technique | Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with pumping over and slow, delicate extraction; ageing for 15 8 months in French oak barrels (35-40% new) |
| Wine making | Fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature (3-4 weeks) with pump-overs; slow and gentle extraction; ageing for 15 8 months in French oak barrels (35-40% new). |
| Aging | In French oak barrels for 15 8 months (35-40% new). |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |