Chateau Haut-Carles 2019

This Haut-Carles 2019 from Chateau de Carles reveals the fruit of Merlot, complemented by a delicate woodiness and a creamy palate. It will evolve to become much more complex over time.

This exceptional vintage resulting from plot selections is superbly concentrated. It was launched in 1994 to compete with the most prestigious Bordeaux wines. It reveals the dazzling fruit of the Merlot which essentially composes it , a very delicate oakiness and a creamy mouthfeel with silky tannins. Delicious in its youth, it reveals an even more complex and harmonious bouquet over time.

Grape Composition: 90% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc

Rated 94pts by Andreas Larsson
Best Sommelier of the World (2007 ASI), Tasted.wine
"Inky dark purple core and hue. Pure and intense with layers of ripe dark fruit, creme de cassis, new oak and some chalky notes. Very dense and concentrated palate yet with supple extraction and a seamless texture, savoury and fresh with a very long and plush finish."

Wine Advocate: 93
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Haut-Carles slowly opens to reveal notes of freshly crushed black cherries, ripe blackberries and black plums with touches of aniseed, red roses and forest floor plus a hint of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound black fruit layers, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

Wine Advocate: 93

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Haut-Carles slowly opens to reveal notes of freshly crushed black cherries, ripe blackberries and black plums with touches of aniseed, red roses and forest floor plus a hint of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound black fruit layers, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

Decanter: 92
Good texture, plenty of rich depth to this wine, clear difference in style and approach to the Château de Carles bottling. There are plentiful tannins, and a lip-smacking mouthwatering austerity that will soften over the next three to four years. Good quality.

Vinous: 92
The 2019 Haut-Carles dark is pliant and super-expressive. Black cherry, plum, espresso, lavender and licorice build in the glass. This sumptuous, juicy Fronsac delivers the goods. I loved it.

James Suckling: 93
This is a very solid and structured Fronsac, but polished at the same time. Medium to full body and firm yet brushed tannins. Chewy and persistent. Classic Fronsac. This needs to soften. Try after 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92
The 2019 Château De Carles Haut-Carles is a step up, offering another level of concentration and depth. Beautiful cassis, toasted spice, espresso, and subtle oak define the bouquet, and it's beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, and has the depth to evolve for over a decade.