Carbonnieux rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2022

Alexandre Ma

94

byAlexandre Mathe3/10/2025

The sudden appearance of the shiitake mushroom aroma in Château Carbonnieux 2022 caught my attention, the tight aroma gradually unfolded after swirling the glass. The fragrances of dried plum and apricot, Chinese herbal medicine, and ink converge into an elegant profile, which will undoubtedly evolve into a bouquet of a cold fireplace after aging. Thanks to its gentle extraction method, the tannins are fine-grained, providing a dense structure and a luscious finish. Given Château Carbonnieux’s traditionally humble character, one can only look forward to the captivating story this wine will unfold with age.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

92

byJane Ansonthe3/7/2025

Reserved at first, this takes time to open, offering a swirl of damson and orange peel after a few minutes, white pepper spice and sage, and although alcohols are high, giving a slightly abrupt finish, there is also a sense of balance, with lilting acidities and firm tannic grip. I wouldn't suggest ageing as long as usual, as those alcohols might impact long term ageing. 32hl/h yield after a dry year, 40% new oak.

Wine Advocate

93

byYohan Castaingthe3/6/2025

The 2022 Carbonnieux, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, exudes a complex, attractive bouquet of spices, dark berries, flowers and oak. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and fleshy, it's satiny and ample with structured, youthful tannins and a lovely oaky finish. It remains an excellent Carbonnieux that should age gracefully over the years.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93

byJeff Levethe3/4/2025

Carbonnieux, Château

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe2/28/2025

The 2022 Château Carbonnieux (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) might be the finest I've tasted from this château. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by a ripe, seamless Grave revealing ripe black cherry and red plum fruit as well as some smoky tobacco and earthy nuances, medium to full body, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's a ripe, opulent, yet nicely balanced 2022 that will have two decades of longevity.

Yvesbeck.wine

93

byYves Beckthe2/25/2025

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot Nuances de cassis et de menthe dans le bouquet de Carbonnieux 2022. Bonne densité en bouche où le vin affiche un caractère soyeux, harmonieux et néanmoins puissant grâce à des tannins charnus et parfaitement intégrés. Ils soutiennent même la fin de bouche en lui conférant de la fraîcheur. Un vin salivant, élégant et persistant que l'on pourra apprécier déjà jeune, tout en veillant à garder quelques bouteilles de côté. 2026-2044 93/100

Vinous

89

byNeal Martinthe2/12/2025

The 2022 Carbonnieux was variable out of barrel. Now in bottle, it seems to have settled down with quite high toned red fruit, but there is a little more VA here than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with somewhat firm tannins and fine acidity. It's quite sapid, yet missing the same degree of elegance and poise as the best wines in the appellation.

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/3/2025

The density and mouthfeel to this young Bordeaux are very attractive with velvety tannins that give it a juicy and pretty texture. It’s medium-bodied, showing currants, blackberries, black cherries and hints of chocolate and spice. Delicious finish. Hard not to drink now, but it needs at least three or four years of bottle aging to bring it around to a good spot.

Vinous

92

byAntonio Gallonithe1/28/2025

The 2022 Carbonnieux is pliant and expressive but also a bit more restrained and lighter in overall texture than it was from barrel. Lifted floral accents keep this agile. The long, sustained finish adds to a feeling of refinement. I miss some of the depth I saw _en primeur_, but the 2022 is nevertheless very fine.

Wine Spectator

93

byJames Molesworththe1/22/2025

Gently steeped dark currant and cherry fruit mixes well with singed tobacco, alder and black tea accents. There's a warm earth echo through the finish, which is fine-grained and focused. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2036. 13,000 cases made, 2,300 cases imported.

Decanter.com

93

byGeorgina Hindlethe5/25/2023

Plump and nicely juice, though quite serious too with the liquorice and clove spiced tannins coming in fairly quickly but they do give the structure and intensity that is so appealing in 2022 still with a sleek frame. Dense and ripe, but still with cool blue fruit and overall refreshing aspects. Just a little knitted down and compact right now but good potential here. The tannins are great, really juicy, powdery and fleshy with some spiced edges on the finish. This is enjoyable. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Alexandre Ma

92-94

byAlexandre Mathe5/17/2023

The sudden appearance of the shiitake mushroom aroma in Château Carbonnieux 2022 caught my attention, the tight aroma gradually unfolded after swirling the glass. The fragrances of dried plum and apricot, Chinese herbal medicine, and ink converge into an elegant profile, which will undoubtedly evolve into a bouquet of a cold fireplace after aging. Thanks to its gentle extraction method, the tannins are fine-grained, providing a dense structure and a luscious finish. Although Château Carbonnieux showed some restraint during the En Primeur period, based on my experience, it will surely evolve remarkably in about five years of aging.

The Vintage Journal

91-93

byAndrew Caillard MWthe5/17/2023

Medium deep crimson. Intense red cherry, redcurrant aromas and flavours, fine chalky tannins and underlying savoury conplexity. Finishes minerally, and long with attractive sweet fruit notes. Classical claret style with good aging potential. (Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend with small parcels of Cabernet Franc and Peit Verdot 30% new oak)

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe5/16/2023

One to look out for, with juicy uplift and white flower blossom aromatics, a ton of supple textured white peach fruits, with a kick of lime zest and bitter lemon curd. Great quality, impressive reflection of the excellent white terroir at this estate. 30hl/h yield.

matthewjukes.com

15,5

byMatthew Jukesthe5/15/2023

Yvesbeck.wine

91-93

byYves Beckthe5/10/2023

Carbonnieux 2022 révèle des nuances fruitées et épicées au travers d'agréables notes de mûres et de poivre noir. En bouche il affiche un caractère élégant et est idéalement soutenu par des tannins certes serrés, mais précis et porteurs, parfaitement en phase avec une rafraîchissante structure acide. Carbonnieux abouti, performant qui a de quoi défier les années à venir !

Bettane & Desseauve

91-92

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/10/2023

Fruits rouges et noirs mûrs, avec un boisé toasté assez présent, bouche chaleureuse, avec de la matière, du gras, des tannins qui manquent un rien de fondu. Une finale longue et tendue. Plus généreux qu’à l’accoutumée mais avec du potentiel.

Jeb DUNNUCK

90-92

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/10/2023

Showing the ripe, powerful style of the vintage, the 2022 Château Carbonnieux offers lots of up-front red and black fruits as well as some classic Graves graphite, earth, and spice. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has fine tannins and a great finish.

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93

byJeff Levethe5/5/2023

Cocoa, smoke, blackberries, black cherries, tobacco leaf, and herbs create the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, vibrant, silky, and soft, with a sweetness to the fruits that meshes perfectly with its lift and energy that carries through to the blackberry, currant, and earthy chocolate packed finish. The wine blends 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2026-2045.

Wine Advocate

92-94

byYohan Castaingthe4/28/2023

From this 92-hectare estate, the 2022 Carbonnieux is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, matured in 40% new oak in 225-liter barrels. The bouquet offers up elegant and vibrant aromas of cassis, blueberry, iris, violet and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is perfectly balanced, concentrated and fleshy ,with velvety tannins and excellent concentration. This is an excellent Carbonnieux—indeed, it may be one of the best of modern times.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/19/2023

Soft and juicy red with blackberry and blueberry character. Medium body. Velvety tannins. Medium finish. Could use a little more at the end, but nicely focused.