chateau les carmes haut brion 2014

"at the end of 2010, patrice pichet acquired the domaine des carmes, a marvellous estate that is a work of art. after a major investment, he opened a new winery in 2016. an impressive, minimalist building, designed by philippe starck and luc arsène-henry, it is equipped with the most modern equipment, but retains all the tradition and essence of château, aiming to rethink wine and vineyard culture in a broader sense and to give the terroir the attention it deserves. the new winery is perfectly integrated with its surroundings, surrounded by ponds that form part of a beautiful urban garden that shelters the vineyards, where this majestic expression of nature contributes to the ripening of the grapes that give rise to extraordinary wines. this is the birthplace of château les carmes haut-brion, the domaine's gran vin, powerful and silky, reflecting all the classic elegance of pessac-léognan (bordeaux). it is made from a blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, grown on predominantly gravelly soils over clay-limestone bedrock and harvested by hand. château les carmes haut-brion is the pride of the estate. a round, complex and delicious red wine; an example of the harmonious balance between strength and finesse, fruit and depth. the new cellar of domaine les carmes haut-brion, as well as being a work of art in itself, is also home to an exquisite communion between poetry and human talent. it is also a place of inspiration for artists who have left their mark within the walls of this space, creating a creative embrace with the mysterious beauty that accompanies the creation of magnificent wines. the 2014 les carmes haut-brion has a concentrated bouquet with blackberry, bilberry and light brine-like aromas. there is just a touch of warmth from the alcohol that detracts from the delineation. the palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, rounded and supple in the mouth with a touch of white pepper and clove towards the comparatively conservative finish. fine. tasted blind at the annual southwold tasting. -- neal martin"