Chateau Carbonnieux 2022 Rouge Pessac-Léognan Graves

Château Carbonnieux 2022 Rouge Pessac-Léognan (Cru Classé de Graves) is a powerful yet refined Bordeaux from one of the historic estates of the Graves region. The warm, dry 2022 vintage produced small, concentrated berries, resulting in a wine that combines ripe black fruit intensity with freshness, floral nuance, and mineral structure. Polished tannins and vibrant energy give the wine both immediate appeal and excellent aging potential.

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Origins & Craftsmanship
Château Carbonnieux is located in Léognan within the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves, just south of the city of Bordeaux. The estate dates back to the 13th century and has been owned by the Perrin family since 1956. It is classified Cru Classé de Graves, a distinction granted in 1959 for both its red and white wines.

The vineyard spans a mosaic of Günzian gravel and clay-limestone soils, ideal for Bordeaux varieties. About 55 hectares are planted to red grapes, with vines averaging roughly 26 years of age. The estate practices environmentally conscious viticulture, with High Environmental Value certification and portions of the vineyard farmed organically.

The 2022 blend is approximately:

• 50% Cabernet Sauvignon

• 42% Merlot

• 5% Petit Verdot

• 3% Cabernet Franc

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats with gentle extraction to preserve fruit and terroir expression. The wine then matures 15–18 months in French oak barrels, about 40% new, developing structure and subtle spice while maintaining freshness.

The 2022 growing season was hot and dry, producing smaller berries and lower yields but delivering exceptional concentration and ripeness.

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Critics Reviews

• Vinous – 93 Points
  Vinous notes a wine that is “deep and savory,” with dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather, gravel and tobacco across the palate.

• Wine Advocate – 93 Points
  The Wine Advocate highlights the wine’s structure and complexity, emphasizing its layered fruit and savory character.

• Wine Spectator – 93 Points
  Wine Spectator praises the wine’s dark currant and cherry fruit with tobacco and black-tea notes, supported by a focused, fine-grained finish.

• James Suckling – 92 Points
  Suckling describes a soft and juicy wine with blackberry and blueberry character and velvety tannins.

• Falstaff – 93 Points
  Falstaff emphasizes the wine’s balance of ripe fruit, freshness, and elegant structure.

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Tasting Profile

Nose:
Expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and blackcurrant, layered with floral hints of rose and hyacinth and touches of licorice and spice.

Palate:
Medium-to-full bodied with dark cherry, plum, mocha, and tobacco, supported by fine tannins and mineral tension.

Finish:
Long and structured with black fruit, warm spice, and gravelly minerality, reflecting the classic character of Pessac-Léognan.

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Quick Overview

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Food Pairings

This classic Graves red pairs beautifully with:

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb

• Roast duck or game birds

• Beef tenderloin or prime rib

• Mushroom and truffle dishes

• Aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère