2015 Chateau Carbonnieux, Pessac-Leognan, France 1.5L

Arriving September 2018 "A very tannic young wine with lots of extract. Full body, chewy and rich. Needs careful barrel maturation. Could be the best red ever from here. Traditional style."

The 2015 Carbonnieux is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot matured in 30% new barrels for 15-18 months. It has a surprisingly high-toned and opulent bouquet, with kirsch and orange sorbet infusing the cassis and raspberry fruit. The palate is sweet and generous in style, harmonious in the mouth, with the structure only becoming apparent as it wends its way to the finish. Perhaps it just cuts away a little swiftly, but otherwise this remains a very well-crafted and highly enjoyable Pessac-Léognan.