2021 Ch Carbonnieux Rouge, Graves

Medium-deep crimson. Fragrant red cherry graphite aromas with cedar notes. Well concentrated and inky with red cherry, graphite, lead pencil flavours, fine sinewy/ chewy tannins and underlying savoury notes. Very chewy/ brambly and crisp at the finish. Should develop. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot. 15–18 months in seasoned French oak. 13.5% alc

87-88 points Andrew Caillard MW

The 2021 Château Carbonnieux has a modern vibe, with plenty of new oak on the nose, yet it brings solid depth of fruit, medium-bodied richness, fine tannins, and solid overall balance. It's certainly nicely made and might end up being an outstanding wine, and it should absorb some of its oak with just short-term aging.

88-90 points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com

Vibrant fresh fruit on the attack, majoring on blueberry, redcurrant, blackberry, plenty of life, with a fresh core and grip. Floral aromatics as it opens. Cabernet dominant in character, savoury and lean, with quince and lemongrass showing that ripeness is on the edge. Lower Merlot in the blend than usual after mildew, but this is a generous (for the year) 40hl/h yield oveall. Tasted twice.

89 points Jane Anson janeanson.com

A juicy red with bright acidity and creamy tannins. Medium body, a pretty center-palate and a delicious finish. Crushed stones.

91-92 points jamessuckling.com

Sweet strawberry and red cherry fruit on the nose with some bramble notes. This lacks a little power and depth, but offers gentle cooling blue fruit with juicy acidity - blueberries, black cherries and blackcurrants with fine tannins and a persistent soft grip that carries the flavors from start to finish. It's balanced within a light frame and you get the coolness of the vintage. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Drinking Window 2024 - 2035

89 points Georgina Hindle decanter.com

The 2021 Carbonnieux is gorgeous. It has more than enough mid-palate depth and overall richness to fill out its frame. Dark red cherry plum cinnamon spice and incense all flesh out with a bit of aeration. Pliant and yet also nicely structured the 2021 is a winner I loved it.

91-93 points AG vinous.com