Château Carbonnieux 2023

Distinctive nose, a hint of rubber, charred wood, restrained fruit; slender palate, good balance of fruit and structure, modest length.

Brambly red fruit and leafy tobacco freshness, delivered on a medium-bodied palate. And while the freshness appeals, I sense a slight hollowness in the mid-palate. Ageing should fill in the gap, but a conservative score for now.

Black cherries, raspberries, strawberries, flowers, and a nice hint of tobacco create the perfume. The medium-bodied palate is soft, polished, and fresh, finishing with chocolate-covered cherries, strawberries and a touch of mint on the fruity, backend. The wine blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2045.

Playful red-berry bouquet, dried thyme and light tobacco. On the elegant palate with a soft texture, supporting verve and medium body. Focused, finely aromatic finish with morello cherries, tarragon and a delicately crumbly astringency; rounded.

Intense ruby red colour, sandalwood and brambled hedgerow fruit, fresh acidities with a satiny tannic architecture. High spice of cloves and rosemary, and grilled oak. 30% new oak for ageing.

Score: 89–91. A comforting, warm nose of ripe red fruits and forest floor in the height of summer. Intense fruit dominates the palate, with lively acidity.

A lovely, elegant nose that is aromatic, delicate, and concentrated at the same time. It reveals notes of morello cherry, vibrant blackberry and, more subtly, bright strawberry, combined with floral touches (violet, wisteria, almost white flowers), as well as hints of zan, a discreet hint of Timut pepper, and a subtle note reminiscent of warm pine needles. The palate is fruity, offering juiciness, smoothness, a tangy backbone, precision, tension, fine indulgence, finesse and elegance, with an elongated feel. It shows notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, morello cherry and, more subtly, roasted-juicy red berries, combined with a Mediterranean touch, as well as fine hints of sage, sweet blond tobacco, and a hint of licorice stick and Timut pepper. Good length. Tasty, plush tannins. Plenty of indulgence. A charming infusion-like character on the finish.

A sleek red, with a nervy thread of iris cutting nicely through a core of gently mulled black currant and black cherry fruit. Light flashes of mesquite and savory check in alongside a late, lingering tarry tug, all while the fruit keeps pace. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2037. 13,000 cases made, 2,300 cases imported.

The 2023 Carbonnieux has turned out very well, revealing aromas of cassis, mulberries, flowers and spices, lifted by a discreet note of fresh licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, ample and sapid, it is enveloping, with good depth at the core framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed finish. Combining a gourmand profile with a classical sense of balance and structure, it represents very good value.