Château Carbonnieux Rouge 2018

Wine Spectator

VertdeVin

The nose is fruity, elegant, mineral, racy and offers a fine freshness, a fine grain, a good definition, complexity and a “fresh gravels” side (terroir). It reveals notes of blackberry and small notes of strawberry, violet associated with slight touches of graphite as well as very slight hints of minted licorice, Cuben pepper, chocolate and an imperceptible hint of nutmeg. The palate is elegant, well-balanced, racy, elegant and offers a beautiful freshness, a beautiful finesse of the grain, a mineral frame as well as silkiness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy cassis, blackberry and small notes wild red berries associated with small touches of violet, toasted, coffee, a touch of cocoa as well as discreet hints of iris, peony and very discreet hints of tobacco (in the background). Tannins are elegant and mellow. There is a very discreet hint of varietal bitterness (pleasante!) and toasted bread on the finish / persistence.

Wine Enthusiast

This structured, dense wine is packed with as much tannins as fruit at this stage. Balance is coming and this ripe wine, with its solid, dark texture and black-plum fruits, holds good promise. Drink from 2025

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Carbonnieux gives up wonderfully pure scents of ripe black cherries, mulberries and cassis, plus suggestions of Ceylon tea, black olive and lavender with a pinch of ground cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers loads of spicy black fruit flavors, supported by grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a peppery kick.