Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan rouge 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Owned since 1956 by the charming Perrin family, this great classic of the Pessac-Léognan appellation is appealing both for its volume of production, especially in white, and for the consistency and typicality of its style. The very pale whites are fresh, lively, and exceptionally refined, but since 2009 they have gained in richness. The reds have gained enormously in power and density and rival the very best.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

Thirty-five percent new oak in the aging of this classified growth, which makes good use of this difficult vintage. Notes of fresh blackcurrant brighten a smoky, roasted nose. The aging pleasantly coats a graceful, fresh palate, framed by fine tannins that allow the red fruit to express itself in a lively, relaxed finish. Good taste and medium aging potential. 2025-2029

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Brothers Éric and Philibert Perrin, along with their sister Christine Lescuyer, continue to develop this important estate, which has evolved considerably over the past decade, consistently producing delicious wines. The new generation is arriving, and the 2019 vintage was brilliantly vinified by the young Andréa Perrin. Elegant and refreshing, the whites have gained in expressiveness while becoming richer on the palate. They do not age indefinitely, and we recommend tasting them within the first five years after bottling. However, some great vintages can hold magical surprises when cellared. The reds, serious and consistent, although often austere in their youth, have also gained in body density. They are never as good as between five and ten years of age. The vineyard is continuing its restructuring program with the replacement of Sauvignon Blanc on the beautiful gravel terroirs with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

Owned by the Perrin family, this large estate has produced an impeccable and impressive wine. Rich tannins and dense black fruit are marked by ripe, juicy acidity and spices from oak aging. It needs to age and will be ready to drink from 2028. - Roger Voss

Vinous

About wine:

Carbonnieux 2021 is an absolute delight. It offers an exotic blend of dark-fleshed fruits, espresso, licorice, cloves, leather, and lavender. Deep, flavorful, and very expressive, the 2021 has so much to do, so much to offer. Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, which is reflected in the overall structure and typical aromas of this wine. 2028-2046

James Suckling

Yves Beck

About wine:

The inviting bouquet of Carbonnieux 2021 reveals hints of blackcurrant, blackberry, and licorice wood. Harmonious in character, the wine is carried by velvety tannins that ensure good density and highlight its elegance. Charming and flavorful in 2021; well done! 2025-2036

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fresh and fruity, offering good definition, a little power, and a slightly airy approach. There are notes of fresh/ripe wild blackcurrant, small black fruits, and more subtle hints of graphite combined with touches of violet, camphor, lily, and a subtle varietal hint of mocha and Madagascar pepper. The palate is beautifully fresh and juicy, offering a lovely acidic structure, tension, energy, dynamism, nice definition, fine concentration, a finely tight grain and a subtle hint of infusion. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fresh/juicy wild blackcurrant, wild blackberry and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of small black berries, touches of graphite and camphor, very discreet hints of zan and almond, and a subtle, almost iodine and sappy note. Good length. The tannins are elegant, sapid, and smooth. Good work on the bitter notes.