La Croix de Carbonnieux 2021
Château Carbonnieux is one of the historic estates of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, located south of Bordeaux in the Graves region. The estate, whose origins date back to the 13th century, is now owned by the Perrin family, who have managed it since the 1950s. The vineyard extends over a vast plateau of deep gravel resting on a clay-limestone subsoil, a terroir particularly suited to the production of great red and white Bordeaux wines. Carbonnieux is among the classified crus of Graves since the official 1959 classification, highlighting the qualitative importance of the estate in the wine history of the region. La Croix de Carbonnieux represents the estate's second wine, made with the same rigor as the grand vin but often in a style more accessible in its youth. The grapes come from selected vineyard plots and are vinified with the same care as the main cuvées. The 2021 vintage thus reflects the identity of Pessac-Léognan through a precise and balanced wine, faithful to the estate's style.
La Croix de Carbonnieux Red 2021 is made from a classic Left Bank Bordeaux blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and complemented by Merlot, sometimes accompanied by small proportions of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot depending on the vintage. The vines are planted on gravel soils that promote natural drainage and allow a gradual ripening of the grapes. Harvesting is done plot by plot to preserve the precision of each terroir and ensure a rigorous selection of berries. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats with a controlled extraction aimed at preserving the balance between structure and aromatic finesse. After vinification, the wine is aged for several months in French oak barrels, including a proportion of new wood, to bring complexity and refine the tannins. This aging phase helps structure the wine while maintaining the fruit expression typical of the 2021 vintage. The result is an elegant red that reflects the classic and precise style of Pessac-Léognan.
On the palate, La Croix de Carbonnieux Red 2021 reveals a nose marked by aromas of fresh black and red fruits, evoking blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry, accompanied by slightly spicy and woody nuances. The mouth is balanced and structured, supported by fine tannins that provide firmness without weighing down the wine. The fruit remains central to the expression with flavors of crunchy black fruits associated with a slight touch of licorice and cocoa. The natural acidity of the vintage contributes to the freshness of the whole and enhances aromatic precision. The texture is both supple and structured, typical of Graves red wines. The finish, persistent and harmonious, extends the fruity notes with a discreet spicy nuance. This wine pairs particularly well with roasted meats, grilled dishes, a rack of lamb, or stews.
Grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
