Château Carbonnieux 2023
Château Carbonnieux is one of the historic great names of Pessac-Léognan, south of Bordeaux, in this prestigious Graves area where the vine expresses itself on naturally draining hills. The estate claims eight centuries of history and has belonged to the Perrin family for four generations, who continue the work undertaken around this Grand Cru Classé of Graves. Its vast vineyard of about one hundred hectares surrounds the château, on a mosaic of soils where gravel, clay, and limestone contribute to the personality of the wines. Carbonnieux holds the rare distinction of being classified for both its reds and whites, which highlights the depth and consistency of its terroir. In its red version, the château embodies a classic, elegant, and refined Pessac-Léognan, marked by the finesse of the Cabernets and the smoothness of the Merlot. The 2023 vintage, described by the estate as a vintage of work and meticulousness, required precise attention in choosing the harvest dates. This Château Carbonnieux 2023 thus fits into the tradition of balanced great Bordeaux reds, with a clear expression of fruit, soil, and aging.
The Château Carbonnieux Rouge 2023 cuvée is based on a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, depth, and tannic freshness, while the Merlot rounds out the palate and adds charm to the fruit. The Cabernet Franc adds a floral and spicy touch, while the Petit Verdot enhances color, density, and persistence. The grapes were hand-harvested, with a triple selection before and after destemming, to keep only the highest quality berries. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, following a logic of slow and gentle extraction that respects the roundness of the fruit and the mineral typicity of Pessac-Léognan. Aging for 15 to 18 months in Bordeaux barrels, 40% of which are new wood, brings toasted notes and refines the structure without masking the vintage's identity. In 2023, the heat of late August and early September favored a beautiful maturity of the reds while maintaining a balanced and precise expression.
In the glass, Château Carbonnieux 2023 reveals a deep ruby robe, slightly violet, announcing a wine still young but already expressive. The nose opens on cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry, with a floral dimension of peony and fine smoky nuances from the aging. After aeration, the bouquet gains intensity, blending black fruits, toasted notes, soft spices, and a touch of graphite typical of the beautiful Graves terroirs. The palate is supple on the attack, then denser in the middle, with silky tannins and well-constructed body. The balance between fruit, freshness, and structure gives a serious but accessible wine, faithful to Carbonnieux's harmonious style. The finish is long, fruity, and slightly smoky, with a sensation of finesse that avoids any heaviness. This Pessac-Léognan will pair very well with a grilled rib steak, roasted lamb, poultry with mushrooms, duck breast, a stew, or aged cheeses.
Grape varieties: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
