Buy any 6 bottles and get free Ground shipping

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Rouge 2022

Reviews

100 - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -

The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is the finest wine bottled to date at this estate under Patrice Pichet's ownership and Guillaume Pouthier's direction. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of violet, iris, dark wild berries, pencil lead and mulberries, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated with a deep core of fruit beautifully framed by velvety, precise tannins, segueing into a long, saline and perfumed finish. Suave and harmonious, it was crafted with 70% whole bunches and matured in 70% new oak. This unconventional blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot represents a turning point for the estate, cementing its rapid ascendancy in the Bordeaux firmament.

100 - Vinous -

The 2022 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a towering masterpiece from Technical Director Guillaume Pouthier. Dark and seamless in the glass, the 2022 presents an exotic melange of black cherry, lavender, sage, blood orange, methol, espresso and dried flowers, showing tremendous depth and substance in all of its dimensions. Time in the glass hints as to what is to come in the years and decades that follow. The 2022 is a co-ferment of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Merlot done with 70% stems that saw sidx full weeks on the skins. Elevage is in 70% new oak, 20% 18HL casks and 10% amphora. Most importantly, all the elements are so well balanced that notihng sticks out. Instead, it is the wine's total sense of harmony that is mind-blowing. Magnificent.

99 - James Suckling -

The purity and focus here is impressive with blackcurrants, crushed stones and floral undertones. The whole-bunch character comes through clearly with rose-stem and floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, this is always so delicious but has lots of integrated, open-grained tannins. 70% whole-cluster fermentation. 40% cabernet franc, 34% cabernet sauvignon and 26% merlot. Idiosyncratic. So attractive now but will age beautifully.

98 - Falstaff -

Bright deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate rim brightening. Floral touch of candied purple fruit, ripe red cherries, a touch of blackberry confit, nuances of liquorice, very complex bouquet. Juicy, very complex, taut, ripe tannins, fine dark berry fruit, mineral, fine vieille vignes character, balanced, very great length, certain ageing potential for decades. Also has an enormous volume with its 13.5%, silky at all times, fresh and unique in its kind.

94 - Decanter -

Seductive and deeply perfumed, this wine bursts with blackcurrants, cherries, and subtle spice. The crystalline acidity is immediately fresh and bright, while soft, delicate tannins create a silky texture without heaviness. It has energy and forward motion, balancing purity and precision. The Carmes signature shines through - pure fruit, supple tannins, and a long, elegant body. Flavours of cherry, damson plum, and redcurrant lead to a mineral, oyster-shell finish with a subtle salty tang. Both fresh and age-worthy, this is a beautifully framed, dynamic wine that leaves you wanting more. One of the best second wines. I love this.

Technical Details

Blend 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot
Winemaker Guillaume Pouthier
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub Region Graves
Appellation Pessac-Léognan
Vineyard Les Carmes Haut Brion vineyard
Farming Method Organic Practices
Oak 90% in French oak (70% new barriques, 20% 18hl casks); 10% in amphora
Aging / Cooperage 24 months
Alcohol 13.5%
Production 3,000 cases

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Rouge 2022

Name: Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Rouge 2022
Brand: First Bottle
SKU: 1008513
Price: 199.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Bordeaux Blends | Bordeaux

WA100, VN100, JS99, FS98, DC94

Organic Practices

$280.00

$199.95

750ML

28% OFF RETAIL!

Every so often, a Bordeaux comes along that has collectors buzzing – and Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2022 is exactly that wine. With two 100-point scores and a reputation for pushing boundaries while honoring tradition, it’s one of the most exciting releases of the vintage. If you love discovering bottles that are both profound and a little off the beaten path (who doesn’t?), you’ll want this one in your cellar.

Nestled just outside the city of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion boasts a remarkable 400-year history. Originally founded by the Carmelite monks in the late 16th century, the estate has long been revered for its singular terroir and proximity to the famed Haut-Brion. Under the modern stewardship of Patrice Pichet and visionary winemaker Guillaume Pouthier, Les Carmes has become one of the most innovative and critically lauded estates in Bordeaux, fusing tradition with fearless experimentation.

The 2022 vintage is a bold statement of that philosophy. A unique blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 26% Merlot, the wine is vinified with whole-cluster fermentation (a rarity in Bordeaux) and aged in a mix of 70% new oak, 20% foudres, and 10% amphorae. Sourced entirely from the estate’s gravel-over-clay soils, the wine reflects a meticulous commitment to precision, freshness, and identity.

On the palate, the 2022 is vivid and sculpted, with layers of crushed red berries, violet, graphite, and cool herbal tones. There’s a tension and energy here that few Bordeaux wines achieve, finishing long with saline minerality and refined tannins. Don’t miss the chance to add this standout vintage to your collection... a must-have for lovers of intellectual, age-worthy, awe-striking Bordeaux.

PAIRING IDEAS: Pair this stunner with duck breast and black truffle risotto – a rich, savory dish that echoes the wine’s earthy and intense complexity.

About The Producer

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most distinctive and storied estates, located in the heart of Pessac-Léognan just minutes from the city center. Originally founded in 1584 by the Carmelite monks, the château shares historical ties with its prestigious neighbor, Haut-Brion, but has carved out its own bold identity. Under the ownership of Patrice Pichet and the visionary winemaking of Guillaume Pouthier, Les Carmes has become a beacon of innovation in Bordeaux – known for its rare use of whole-cluster fermentation, amphora aging, and a Cabernet Franc-forward blend that delivers stunning elegance, energy, and depth. With a combination of ancient terroir and fearless winemaking, Les Carmes consistently produces some of the region’s most exciting and ageable wines.

Your Cart

You May Want to Add

Are you an existing First Bottle customer?