The Estate
Château Carbonnieux, one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, dates back to the 13th century when it was founded by Benedictine monks from the Sainte-Croix Abbey of Bordeaux. Its long and rich history includes an early international reputation, with wines exported as far as the Middle East in the 18th century. Since 1956, it has been owned by the Perrin family, who have extensively modernized the estate while preserving its historic character.
Located in Léognan, at the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the vineyard covers around 170 hectares, with 100 hectares under vine. The deep gravel soils resting on clay-limestone subsoils are perfectly suited to both red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) and white (Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon) grape varieties. This unique terroir imparts finesse, vibrant freshness, and excellent ageing potential to the wines.
Château Carbonnieux is one of the rare estates classified for both red and white wines in the 1959 Graves classification. The property is renowned for its crystalline, pure white wines and its elegant, structured reds. Now managed by the fourth generation of the Perrin family, the estate continues to pursue excellence, combining tradition and modern winemaking, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture.
The Wine
Manual harvesting
Selection on the vine and double sorting at the vat
Maceration: 3 to 4 weeks in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
Aging in barrels for 16 to 18 months (35 to 40% new)
Tasting
The color is of an intensity that is both deep and shimmering. The nose is very fine, blending black fruits and spices. The overall impression is harmonious and indulgent. The attack on the palate is silky, delicate, and enveloping. The mid-palate is full, structured, and dense. The pleasure builds gradually throughout the tasting, and the finish is remarkably long. 2016 clearly belongs in the big leagues!
