2014 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Other Reviews...
The Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2014 is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 32% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines that are being converted to organic, undergoing a 30-day cuvaison with 15% to 40% whole clusters. Around 74% of the crop is matured in 80% new oak, 16% in 1,200-liter oak foudres and the remainder in 1-year old oak. Winemaker Guillaume Pouthier (ex-Chapoutier) has fashioned a bold and opulent bouquet with macerated black cherries and boysenberry jam. But it does not really 'sing' of "Pessac-Léognan", not at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin on the entry, but then there is a wave of ripe, black, grainy fruit infused with graphite and cedar and it finishes in a bravura fashion with a seam of coconut originating from the oak. I would want to just check how the oak integrates with time by bottling and it may merit a higher score then. It's gonna need a top wine to match the architectural ambitions of its Philippe Starck-designed winery - this is certainly going in the right direction. Drink 2018 - 2032.
90-92+ points
Neal Martin eRobertParker.com # 218 (Apr 2015)

Fleshy and open in feel already, with dark plum and blueberry notes, layered with light cocoa and fruitcake hints. Has a touch of loamy grip at the very end.
89-92 points
J.M. - Wine Spectator

Good lift, like the structure of this wine, the tannins are supple but firm, this is a medium drinker but with ambition, can feel the well fleshed out dark fruits, a real spiciness here, bitter chocolate, high acidity, a touch austere again, lean but with impact. Important investment going on at this estate currently, one to watch.
17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Decanter

Beautiful density of fruit with blackberry, dark chocolate and blueberry character. Full-bodied, very fine and silky. Classy for the vintage.
92-93 points
James Suckling