Chateau Carbonnieux Pessac-Leognan 2018

Wine Spectator : 94 Points

(3/31/2021) Tightly drawn, with a cloak of alder and juniper over the core of steeped plum and black currant flavors. Lots of tar, bramble, loam and sweet bay accents score the finish, which sports heft and muscle. Superb showing. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2038.

Wine Enthusiast : 95 Points

(4/1/2021) Always a success, the releases of whites from this estate continue with this tight, textured, wood-aged and ripe wine. It is still young, balancing between citrus and crisp acidity, with a texture that will open as the wine ages. Drink from 2023.

James Suckling : 93 Points

(3/3/2021) Blackberry, dried-violet, gravel, chocolate and iodine aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Chewy, flavorful finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Try from 2024.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni : 92 Points

(3/2021) The 2018 Carbonnieux turned out beautifully. Deep, ample and so expressive, the 2018 possesses quite a bit of density and pure power. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, gravel, licorice, menthol and scorched earth infuse this Pessac-Leognan with quite a bit of intensity. The 2018 is a powerhouse. Give it a few years to fully come together. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2038.

Jeb Dunnuck : 93 Points

(3/11/2021) I loved the 2018 Chateau Carbonnieux. This Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Pessac sports a deep purple hue as well as ripe, sexy aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, chocolate, leafy tobacco, and earth. Beautifully textured, with silky tannins and outstanding balance, it's already drinking brilliantly yet has a solid 10-15 years of longevity ahead of it. Maturity: 2021 - 2036.