40-jährige Reben stehen auf Chateau de Carles in Fronsac. Die insgesamt 20 Hektar teilen sich zu 75% auf Merlot und zu 25% auf Cabernet Franc auf. Die Cuvee Haut Carles besteht jedoch zu 100% aus Merlot. Sie wurde 1994 erstmalig produziert und stellt eine Selektion der besten Parzellen (10 Hektar) dar. Der Ausbau erfolgt 18 Monate in neuen Barriques. Önologe ist Christian Veyry, ein Kumpane von Michel Rolland. Christian Veyry besitzt auch ein eigenes sehr gutes Chateau in Cotes de Castillon, das seinen Namen trägt. Seine Weine sind nichts für "gimmick-verwöhnte-Chateau-bin-ich-toll-Trinker" sondern etwas für ausgewachsene High-end-Wine-Freaks, die etwas Anständiges zu schätzen wissen.
91-93+ THE WINEADVOCATE: "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."
92 DECANTER: "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."
93-94 JAMES SUCKLING: "This is layered, very polished and beautiful with chocolate and berry character and hints of walnuts. It’s full and compact with brushed tannins. Really well crafted. On the same level as the 2015 and 2016."
91-93 ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2019 Haut-Carles from Château de Carles has a fresh and appealing bouquet with greater definition and vivacity than the regular bottling. The palate is well balanced with fine grain tannins, well judged acidity. A harmonious Fronsac with a smooth texture that glides across the finish. This is a very well crafted Fronsac, though it needs 5-6 years in bottle." - Neal Martin
90-92 ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2019 Haut-Carles is a fabulous expression of Fronsac. Rich and resonant, the 2019 possesses striking depth from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, licorice and spice add character in an opulent, flamboyant wine. This is an especially rich, heady style but it all works."
90-92 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Black cherry and licorice dominate the nose and palate here. The wine is round, lush, ripe and showy, with a concentrated, opulent, fresh, fruity finish. One can drink this now, or wait a few years."
90-92 JEB DUNNUCK: "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."
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