Ratings & Tasting Notes:

89 points — Wine Spectator

Cult Wines International Notes:

Carbonnieux is among the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux, taking its name from the Carbonnieu family who held the land in 1234, and it was already well enough known by the 1700s that Thomas Jefferson visited during his tour of the region. The estate’s most enduring story belongs to its white wine, which legend says reached the court of the Sultan in Constantinople described as the mineral water of Carbonnieux, slipping past Islamic law on the strength of its clarity. The property fell into disrepair after phylloxera and two wars, and was rescued by the Perrin family, who bought it in the 1950s and rebuilt it over decades; Eric and Philibert Perrin run it today. At roughly 170 hectares it is among the largest estates in Pessac-Léognan, and one of the few classified for both colours in the 1959 Graves classification. The red is Cabernet Sauvignon led, with Merlot and small parts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, grown on gravel over clay and limestone.

1995 ended a difficult stretch in Bordeaux with a hot, dry summer that ripened Cabernet Sauvignon properly and gave wines of firm structure and real staying power. Three decades on, this is fully mature claret: garnet fading to brick, with the black cherry and cassis of youth now framed by cigar box, gravel, cedar and a dusty, earthy note. The tannins have melted away entirely and the acidity carries the finish. Ready now, and best with hearty food.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition.