Château Les Carmes Haut-BrionLe C des Carmes Haut-Brion 2023

The Carmes in the name were Carmelite monks, who once owned land in Pessac, on the edge of Bordeaux. Their name stayed with the estate, which now makes this Pessac-Léognan. The blend leans on Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Pour it and the fruit comes straight at you, red and black berries with nothing hiding them. In the mouth it feels crunchy, like biting into a fresh berry, and the Cabernet Sauvignon adds a bit of firmness. The taste stays on after you swallow.

Serve it at 16-18°C, and open the bottle an hour before pouring. It suits roast beef, duck breast or a rack of lamb. A bottle for a meal where nobody is in a hurry.