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Carbonnieux 2005

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Graves
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Carbonnieux

Label

Tasting Notes

A beauty from Carbonnieux, the 2005 has a dense ruby/purple color and a sweet nose of charcoal embers, smoke, graphite, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit. It is medium to full-bodied, pure and lush as well as beautifully textured and long. This wine is just entering its plateau of maturity and should hang there for at least another two decades. Drink 2015-2035.

91+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (219), June 2015
88
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, February 2008

Tasted blind. Lacks some of the frank freshness of the appellation. Rather sweet and unappetising. 13.5%
Drink 2014-2024

15.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, March 2017

Moderately saturated medium red. Somewhat shallow aromas of redcurrant, plum and tobacco. Soft, plump flavors of redcurrant, smoke, tobacco and earth are given some shape by firm tannins. Finishes clean and persistent. Not bad, but this bottle is not up to the quality of the barrel sample I tried last spring.

88
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, June 2008

Solid, reserved but with evident fruit. Firm, grippy tannins and good acidity. A little austere but good balance. Needs time to open out. Drink 2013-2020

16.5
James Lawther MW, Decanter.com (-), April 2006
Read more tasting notes...

The finest Carbonnieux in nearly fifty years, this cuvee is reminiscent of a grand cru Burgundy, largely because of its sweet cherry, forest floor, and smoky components. The stunning 2005 possesses more concentration than usual, but never loses sight of its finesse, elegance, or that earthy style so characteristic of a Graves. While the sweetness of the fruit, remarkable purity, and beautiful texture are delicately presented, they are authoritative and intense. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026.

91/93
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (170), April 2007

The finest Carbonnieux I have ever tasted, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2005 offers gorgeously sweet aromas of black cherries, cassis, spice box, smoke, and new oak. Medium-bodied, beautifully rich, savory, and spicy, with moderate tannin, it will be drinkable between 2009-2025. It reminds me of a synthesis in style between a grand cru Burgundy and a classic Graves. It is a brilliant wine!

91/93
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (164), April 2006

Aromas of blackberry and chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a medium finish. A bit lean but some good fruit here.
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85/88
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com (-), March 2006

Dense and meaty and savoury with lots of dry but not drying tannin. Correct and sappy

17
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, February 2009

Simple ripe black fruit aromas. A bit soapy but rich sappy ripe fruit. This wine should certainly please; it just lacks a bit of subtlety compared with some of its neighbours. The finish is not as appetising as some.

16
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (-), April 2006
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.