Château La Tour Carnet 2021

Modest but fresh, with a direct core of damson plum and savory notes, backed by light chalky minerality on the taut finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now.

A bit dry and sombre, nice structure with just grippy tannins, but missing some more acidity. Feels calm and controlled, a nice balance all the way through, with minerality on the finish. A little quiet still, just shy in terms of energy and life.

54% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample. High-toned for the vintage but there’s a decent concentration of fruit and firm yet ripe tannins. Well structured and persistent. Definitely some potential. (JL)

The 2021 La Tour Carnet has a slightly lean, black olive- and loam-scented bouquet, with touches of autumn leaves filtering through the black fruit. It is very restrained but it coheres in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a lean entry, a touch of green bell pepper lurking in the background, turning slightly bitter (again) toward the briny finish. Though it has shortcomings due to the growing season, I can still imagine it partnering well at the dinner table. This is not a memorable La Tour Carnet, but it has its place. NB A second bottle exhibits more cohesion.

Black cherries, espresso and chocolate are the theme of the day here. Round, generous, and polished, the glossy finish delivers a juicy mouthful of black cherries, spice, and chocolate in every sip. Drink from 2024-2037.

Deep ruby-garnet colour with purple reflections, broad ochre rim. Fresh heart cherries, subtle notes of blackberries and liquorice, fresh mandarin zest, light floral nuances. Light-footed, mineral, red forest berries, delicately leafy on the finish, salty aftertaste, already approachable.

Earthy red and black fruits, leafy herbs, and cedar notes all emerge from the 2021 Château La Tour Carnet, a more foursquare, focused, firmer 2021 that offers charm. Give it a year or two and enjoy through 2031. It's not one of the more compelling Haut-Médocs in the vintage. The 2021 is 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 14 months in oak.

Opulent bouquet, warm blueberry pie, licorice, dried rose petals and black pepper. On the powerful palate, a soft texture, a floury wealth of extract and a brawny body, supported by a nervy streak. In the encapsulated finish, crushed small black berries, mulberry skin and (overly) crumbly astringency. Despite the abundance, the body groans under this immense tannic load—will it be able to digest it?

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (54% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 hl/ha, 13% vol. alcohol) Silky, fruity, powerful bouquet, plum, licorice, tobacco. Creamy, full palate with powerful, sweet fruit, good tannins, finely firm structure, dark aromatics, spicy finish.

(54% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 hl/ha, 13% vol. alcohol) Velvety, fruity, powerful bouquet, plum, licorice, tobacco. Creamy, full palate with powerful, sweet fruit, good tannins, finely structured core, dark aromatics, spicy finish. 17/20 2028 - 2040

An 1855 classified estate has risen in profile in recent years as the footprint has expanded, reaching well over 200ha of vines. Opens with espresso, clove and spice notes, followed by savoury blueberry, cassis and redcurrant fruits, grilled cedar, short on the finish but with appellation typicity. Harvest from September 28 to October 14. 30% new oak. Michel Rolland and Julien Viaud as consultants.

A blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, La Tour Carnet 2021 is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It rolls out of the glass with notes of juicy plums and boysenberries, followed by wafts of cracked black pepper and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and clean, with soft tannins and a lifted finish.

A touch of reduction on the nose at first, but with aeration the wine opens up to floral and fruity notes. Fairly monolithic on the palate, yet it reveals sumptuous vanilla aromas and, on the finish, lovely bitters.

Tour Carnet 2021 showcases its oak profile with nuances of vanilla and coffee, along with notes of black berries. The oak imparts sweetness on the attack, making it inviting. A gourmet, harmonious wine to enjoy in its youth.

Beautiful dark color. Moderately intense, fruity nose. A palate that is both smooth and gentle, with flavor from the mid-palate through to the finish. Medium body and length.