Top Vintages
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Top Vintages
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Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2016 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion comes from vines located in the clos over towards Martillac, rather than the vines in the original Les Carmes Haut-Brion vineyard in the Bordeaux suburbs, known as Le Clos des Carmes Haut-Brion up until the 2013 vintage. It is a blend of 51% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvigon and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 30% new oak and the remainder one year old barrels. This includes 25% whole berry fruit. It offers plenty of brambly black fruit on the nose, crushed violets, fresh fig and a touch of spice that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, neatly integrated oak, a little plushness on the entry thanks to the Merlot, and then it dovetails into a more structured, gently grippy, chalk-textured finish with attractive black fruit. Give this two or three years in bottle just to shave off a little abrasiveness and you will have a fine Pessac-Léognan.Inc. VAT£260.29 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (90-92)
Plump, sugar-laced black fruit, boysenberry, licorice, campfire smoke and barbecue essence get things underway. Quicky the sassy tannins kick in, shepherding you to a chic, fresh, tobacco infused, fruit-filled core. Using 30% whole bunches in the vinification, the wine was made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.72. The harvest took place September 19 to October 3 and, sadly, close to 25% of the vines were damaged by frost.Inc. VAT£219.64 -
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Decanter (96)
Beautiful fragrance to the nose, perfumed and delicate yet so expressive, nothing out of balance with cherries and violets bursting out of the glass. Gorgeous smooth mouthfeel with some milk chocolate dusting on the fruit, tannins are delicate and softly mouth filling with a lovely salinity to the palate - creamy and unctuous but at the same time there's lots of acidity. This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavours just glide across the palate with lift on the finish - so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 3.55pH.Inc. VAT£183.49 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£221.89 -
James Suckling (94)
Fresh and racy, with beautiful cherries, dried orange peels, peppercorn and spices. It’s so vibrant and agile on the palate, with medium body and crunchy, lively tannins. Juicy and tense. Firm but very fine and silky in the end. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 2% petit verdot. Already attractive, but better after a year or two.Inc. VAT£201.49 -
(12x75cl) 2022Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc 2022 is a refined white from France’s Bordeaux, crafted by Château Closiot, the Barsac property of Denis Dubourdieu, a leading authority on Bordeaux whites. Conceived as a dry counterpart to the estate’s sweet wines, it is made from carefully selected fruit and handled with the precision for which the Dubourdieu team is renowned. Fermentation and élevage are conducted with an emphasis on preserving aromatic definition and textural finesse, delivering a style that prizes clarity over overt richness.
In the glass, Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc offers a focused profile of citrus and orchard fruit, lifted by floral tones and a discreet mineral edge. The palate is taut and saline, with bright acidity, fine grip and a long, clean finish. Serve cool to highlight its poise and detail.
Inc. VAT£245.04 -
(12x75cl) 2023
Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc 2023 epitomises refined elegance from the prestigious Chateau Closiot estate in the Loire Valley. Crafted by esteemed vintners, this exquisite white wine is primarily made from meticulously selected Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, sustainably grown in the region’s fertile terroir. The 2023 vintage benefits from a precise hand-harvest, ensuring optimal ripeness and flavour concentration. Fermentation is conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s vibrant acidity and fresh fruit characteristics, followed by a subtle ageing period in French oak barrels to add depth and complexity without overshadowing its natural finesse. This harmonious blend presents a luminous pale gold hue, with aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a crisp, balanced finish with a lingering minerality, making it an exceptional companion to gourmet seafood dishes and artisanal cheeses. Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc 2023 stands as a testament to Chateau Closiot’s unwavering dedication to quality and tradition.
Inc. VAT£245.04 -
(12x75cl) 2013Inc. VAT£230.98 -
(6x75cl) 2015Inc. VAT£240.29 -
(6x75cl) 2018Inc. VAT£159.89 -
(6x75cl) 2019Inc. VAT£165.89 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Deep, chalky notes intermixed with black fruits, camphor, and an almost ethereal floral note make for a full-bodied wine that has slightly more austerity than Laforge or Teyssier (two other wines from the same team), but considerable style and nobility. In addition, it is substantial, powerful and capable of 20 years of longevity.Inc. VAT£550.40 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Full red-ruby color. Youthful aromas of spicy cherry and sweet leather. Bright, pure and firmly structured; rather backward for this wine but offers plenty of sweetness. Finishes with substantial but sweet tannins and very good persistence. Serious second wine.Inc. VAT£1,683.84 -
(12x75cl) 1998Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Dark red. Sappy red fruits and smoke on the nose. Cedary, minerally and uncompromisingly dry, with strong acidity giving the flavors penetration and cut. Finishes firmly tannic, with very good grip. This is always a second wine with character, rather than simply a receptacle for the fruit that doesn't make it into the grand vinInc. VAT£1,417.27 -
(6x75cl) 2004Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Bright red-ruby. Ripe, enticing aromas and flavors of plum, smoked meat and underbrush. Pure and focused in the mouth, with a firm mineral spine contributing to the impression of tightness. Finishes with solid tannins that are a bit dominant today.Inc. VAT£775.24 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Bahans Haut-Brion is the second wine from Haut-Brion, known today as Le Clarence. A huge, virile red, the 2005 exudes intensity from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, gravel and cured meats blast across the palate. The wine’s richness, heft and power are truly remarkable. Today, the 2005 comes across as shockingly young. This heady, exotic Pessac-Léognan has much to offer. It’s price naturally reflects its position as a second wine to a First Growth, yet the 2005 is a serious wine that has a ton to offer.Inc. VAT£1,278.24 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Good deep red. Black raspberry, sassafras, road tar and spicy oak on the nose. Sweet berry fruit shows an almost liqueur-like creaminess, but a peppery element and good underlying minerality lend grip to the finish, which features a fine dusting of tannins and nice cedary persistence. An excellent second wine.Inc. VAT£1,407.84 -
James Suckling (95)
This is very, very Haut-Brion. Perhaps this second wine is like the gran vin in 1995? Full body, with rich ripe tannins, with a silky texture. It is dense and powerful. Long and rich. Better in 2016. Best second wine of Haut-Brion ever? It has just about everything Haut-Brion has in an excellent year like this. Try in 2019.Inc. VAT£1,249.90 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.Inc. VAT£1,357.15 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.Inc. VAT£638.38 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.Inc. VAT£1,115.04 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.Inc. VAT£746.52 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a dark, beguiling beauty. Smoke, violets, dried flowers and savory herbs lead to a core of expressive blue/purplish fruit in a powerful wine that is going to need time to settle down. Far from an easygoing 2012, the Clarence boasts notable depth and intensity to match its virile personality. This is an impressive second wine, that much is obvious.Inc. VAT£1,955.95 -
(12x75cl) 2013Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, silky and medium in body. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass in an intensely floral wine supported by beams of mineral and graphite notes. Silky tannins add finesse to the supple, gracious finish. The 2013 is 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc.Inc. VAT£1,353.40 -
James Suckling (95)
Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.Inc. VAT£537.95 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.Inc. VAT£896.38 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.Inc. VAT£646.78 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.Inc. VAT£696.72 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.Inc. VAT£569.52
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Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2016 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion comes from vines located in the clos over towards Martillac, rather than the vines in the original Les Carmes Haut-Brion vineyard in the Bordeaux suburbs, known as Le Clos des Carmes Haut-Brion up until the 2013 vintage. It is a blend of 51% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvigon and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 30% new oak and the remainder one year old barrels. This includes 25% whole berry fruit. It offers plenty of brambly black fruit on the nose, crushed violets, fresh fig and a touch of spice that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, neatly integrated oak, a little plushness on the entry thanks to the Merlot, and then it dovetails into a more structured, gently grippy, chalk-textured finish with attractive black fruit. Give this two or three years in bottle just to shave off a little abrasiveness and you will have a fine Pessac-Léognan.In Bond£199.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (90-92)
Plump, sugar-laced black fruit, boysenberry, licorice, campfire smoke and barbecue essence get things underway. Quicky the sassy tannins kick in, shepherding you to a chic, fresh, tobacco infused, fruit-filled core. Using 30% whole bunches in the vinification, the wine was made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.72. The harvest took place September 19 to October 3 and, sadly, close to 25% of the vines were damaged by frost.In Bond£167.00 -
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Decanter (96)
Beautiful fragrance to the nose, perfumed and delicate yet so expressive, nothing out of balance with cherries and violets bursting out of the glass. Gorgeous smooth mouthfeel with some milk chocolate dusting on the fruit, tannins are delicate and softly mouth filling with a lovely salinity to the palate - creamy and unctuous but at the same time there's lots of acidity. This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavours just glide across the palate with lift on the finish - so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 3.55pH.In Bond£135.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£167.00 -
James Suckling (94)
Fresh and racy, with beautiful cherries, dried orange peels, peppercorn and spices. It’s so vibrant and agile on the palate, with medium body and crunchy, lively tannins. Juicy and tense. Firm but very fine and silky in the end. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 2% petit verdot. Already attractive, but better after a year or two.In Bond£150.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022
Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc 2022 is a refined white from France’s Bordeaux, crafted by Château Closiot, the Barsac property of Denis Dubourdieu, a leading authority on Bordeaux whites. Conceived as a dry counterpart to the estate’s sweet wines, it is made from carefully selected fruit and handled with the precision for which the Dubourdieu team is renowned. Fermentation and élevage are conducted with an emphasis on preserving aromatic definition and textural finesse, delivering a style that prizes clarity over overt richness.
In the glass, Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc offers a focused profile of citrus and orchard fruit, lifted by floral tones and a discreet mineral edge. The palate is taut and saline, with bright acidity, fine grip and a long, clean finish. Serve cool to highlight its poise and detail.
In Bond£167.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023
Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc 2023 epitomises refined elegance from the prestigious Chateau Closiot estate in the Loire Valley. Crafted by esteemed vintners, this exquisite white wine is primarily made from meticulously selected Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, sustainably grown in the region’s fertile terroir. The 2023 vintage benefits from a precise hand-harvest, ensuring optimal ripeness and flavour concentration. Fermentation is conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s vibrant acidity and fresh fruit characteristics, followed by a subtle ageing period in French oak barrels to add depth and complexity without overshadowing its natural finesse. This harmonious blend presents a luminous pale gold hue, with aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a crisp, balanced finish with a lingering minerality, making it an exceptional companion to gourmet seafood dishes and artisanal cheeses. Le C Sec du Chateau Closiot Blanc 2023 stands as a testament to Chateau Closiot’s unwavering dedication to quality and tradition.
In Bond£167.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013In Bond£154.00
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(6x75cl) 2015In Bond£181.00
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(6x75cl) 2018In Bond£114.00
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(6x75cl) 2019In Bond£119.00
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Wine Advocate (95)
Deep, chalky notes intermixed with black fruits, camphor, and an almost ethereal floral note make for a full-bodied wine that has slightly more austerity than Laforge or Teyssier (two other wines from the same team), but considerable style and nobility. In addition, it is substantial, powerful and capable of 20 years of longevity.In Bond£438.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Full red-ruby color. Youthful aromas of spicy cherry and sweet leather. Bright, pure and firmly structured; rather backward for this wine but offers plenty of sweetness. Finishes with substantial but sweet tannins and very good persistence. Serious second wine.In Bond£1,366.00 -
(12x75cl) 1998
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Dark red. Sappy red fruits and smoke on the nose. Cedary, minerally and uncompromisingly dry, with strong acidity giving the flavors penetration and cut. Finishes firmly tannic, with very good grip. This is always a second wine with character, rather than simply a receptacle for the fruit that doesn't make it into the grand vinIn Bond£1,149.00 -
(6x75cl) 2004
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Bright red-ruby. Ripe, enticing aromas and flavors of plum, smoked meat and underbrush. Pure and focused in the mouth, with a firm mineral spine contributing to the impression of tightness. Finishes with solid tannins that are a bit dominant today.In Bond£630.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Bahans Haut-Brion is the second wine from Haut-Brion, known today as Le Clarence. A huge, virile red, the 2005 exudes intensity from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, gravel and cured meats blast across the palate. The wine’s richness, heft and power are truly remarkable. Today, the 2005 comes across as shockingly young. This heady, exotic Pessac-Léognan has much to offer. It’s price naturally reflects its position as a second wine to a First Growth, yet the 2005 is a serious wine that has a ton to offer.In Bond£1,028.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Good deep red. Black raspberry, sassafras, road tar and spicy oak on the nose. Sweet berry fruit shows an almost liqueur-like creaminess, but a peppery element and good underlying minerality lend grip to the finish, which features a fine dusting of tannins and nice cedary persistence. An excellent second wine.In Bond£1,136.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is very, very Haut-Brion. Perhaps this second wine is like the gran vin in 1995? Full body, with rich ripe tannins, with a silky texture. It is dense and powerful. Long and rich. Better in 2016. Best second wine of Haut-Brion ever? It has just about everything Haut-Brion has in an excellent year like this. Try in 2019.In Bond£1,003.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.In Bond£1,091.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.In Bond£512.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.In Bond£892.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.In Bond£603.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a dark, beguiling beauty. Smoke, violets, dried flowers and savory herbs lead to a core of expressive blue/purplish fruit in a powerful wine that is going to need time to settle down. Far from an easygoing 2012, the Clarence boasts notable depth and intensity to match its virile personality. This is an impressive second wine, that much is obvious.In Bond£1,590.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, silky and medium in body. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass in an intensely floral wine supported by beams of mineral and graphite notes. Silky tannins add finesse to the supple, gracious finish. The 2013 is 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc.In Bond£1,092.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.In Bond£429.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.In Bond£727.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.In Bond£519.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.In Bond£562.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.In Bond£456.00
Bordeaux's relatively diverse weather, particularly its rainfall, means that vintage variation can be quite broad between some years. However advances in wine making techniques, technology and investment has meant that many chateaux are still able to create very good wines in "lesser vintages". From the best vintages wines are made that are clambered for all over the world and mature excellently for many years.
This is a selection of some of our favourite vintages from Bordeaux over the last few decades, as well some more recent ones.
