Chateau Haut Carles 2022

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Black cherries covered in chocolate, smoke, spice, licorice and flowers form the perfume. The wine is rich, lush and creamy with espresso, dark chocolate, plums and blackberries in the mid-palate and in the vibrant, polished finish. Drink from 2025-2034."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Feine Gewürze, schwarze Waldbeeren, ein Hauch von Kirschen, einladendes Bukett. Saftig, komplex, rote Herzkischen, frisch strukturiert, mineralisch-salzig, Nugat im Abgang, ein stoffiger Speisenbegleiter."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2022 Haut-Carles needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of black raspberries, juicy blackberries, and preserved plums, followed by hints of crushed rocks, lavender, and star anise. The elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate is very tightly wound and intense, featuring firm, grainy tannins, and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. The shimmery finesse of this 2022 edition is truly impressive. This comes from an 18-hectare vineyard composed mainly of clay and limestone soil. Haut-Carles is the top cuvée produced by Château de Carles. This year it is composed of 100% Merlot, aging in 50% new oak and 50% second-fill barrels for an anticipated 18-months."