2019 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France, 750mL, case of 6 bottles, (97 points)

The 2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a captivating blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 27% Merlot, aged in 90% new oak and amphorae. Deep garnet-purple, it opens with complex aromas of cassis, blackberries, violets, crushed rocks, and forest floor, with hints of saffron, rosemary, and truffle. Medium to full-bodied, it boasts a creamy, layered texture, vibrant acidity, and firm, grainy tannins, delivering a powerful yet elegant profile. Concluding with an exceptionally long, nuanced finish, this wine combines precision and allure, promising decades of graceful aging. Best from 2028 onward.