This exceptional vintage from plot selections of old vines is superb in concentration. It was launched in 1994 to compete with the most prestigious Bordeaux wines. After gentle extraction during vinification, Haut-Carles is aged for nearly 18 months in French oak barrels (40% of which are new). With elegance, it reveals the bright fruit of Merlot, a delicate woodiness and a creamy mouthfeel lined with silky tannins. Delicious in its youth, it lets an even more complex and harmonious bouquet emerge over time.

Haut Carles, located in the Fronsac appellation in the Right Bank of Bordeaux is one of the older estates in the appellation. The actual Haut Carles chateau dates its creation back to the 1400s when it was used as a fortress. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare for their newer plantings, which is quite high for the Right Bank, especially in Fronsac. The vineyard is managed using 100% organic farming techniques.

Haut Carles is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. It's also excellent when matched with Asian dishes, and rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

93 Points - James Suckling

Aromas of olives, chocolate orange, toffee, plums, peppercorns and cherries. Creamy and mouth-filling with velvety tannins and a full body. Plush and polished. Chocolaty finish