Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2012 seems to be a move in that direction. A blend of 44% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, it tips the scales at 14.1% alcohol. Only 53% of the crop made it into the grand vin as they have introduced a second wine called Les Clos des Carmes. The medium-bodied, fragrant 2012 Les Carmes Haut Brion offers lots of unsmoked cigar tobacco, red and black currant, scorched earth and toasty notes. This wine, which is now being looked after by Guillaume Pouthier, whom I met when working with Michel Chapoutier in Tain l’Hermitage, has considerable talent, so readers take note. This 2012 possesses impressive purity and density along with its tell-tale elegance and finesse. It should drink well for 10-15 years.

James Suckling

On the nose and palate this red suggests blackberries with cedar notes and hints of spices. Full body, silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish. The minerality and length is wonderful. This keeps getting better and better.

VertdeVin

The nose is spicy, “warm” and very “Cabernet Franc”. It reveals a few notes of black fruit combined with floral notes (iris, violet) and a small oaky notes. The palate is balanced, aromatic, powerful, round, harmonious, silky, gourmand and offers a nice texture and a small and elegant tannic frame that leads the tasting. In the mouth it expresses notes of fruit cream, raspberry, cherry, fresh fruit and slight notes of blackberry associated with a small note of liquorice, a few elegant/harmonious woody notes and a small note of vanilla. The tannins are elegant. A beautiful wine.

Gilbert & Gaillard

Wine Enthusiast

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch