Le Point 16,5 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015 Réducteur, note de poire, cerise, bouche souple, tanins soyeux, frais, long, en prise de bois, bonne longueur, belle texture.
Vinous 90-92 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015 The 2014 Carbonnieux is endowed with notable energy and focus throughout. A spine of firm tannins support the red cherry, red currant, smoke, slate and floral notes nicely. Today, the 2014 is a bit unyielding, but there is also quite a bit of appeal to classically austere style, especially if the fruit fleshes out a bit more.
The Wine Cellar Insider 86-88 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/5/2015 A leafy green aroma with smoked and dried red fruits, this wine is medium-bodied with a dry finish. 86-88 Pts
Wine Advocate 90-92 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015 The Château Carbonnieux 2014 has a subtle nose, standoffish at first but losing its inhibitions to uncover blackberry, mulberry and candied orange peel. The palate is structured on the entry, the beginning of a linear Carbonnieux, but one adorned with ample freshness and vitality and plenty of tension towards the finish. It perhaps just does not quite deliver the length that a great vintage would have bestowed, but this is certainly a respectable contribution to the vintage.
Asian Palate 91 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015 Subtle and layered with classic Carbonnieux restrained style - especially the low-key, detailed and seamless texture. Delicate red flowers, plum and redcurrant. This is a wine that will attract those who love restraint and subtlety over power and ripeness. A successful year, consulted by Denis Dubourdieu.
Decanter.com 17,25 / 20 byJane Ansonthe4/17/2015 On the fruit spectrum, we are in fresh crunchy redcurrant and raspberry territory, some lovely clean tannins, great lift, all around this is an attractive fresh style, perhaps a touch lean. This is the first vintage with their completely new vat room and new inert presses to limit oxygen contact. Blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and an even split between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for the rest. Reasonable alcohol levels at 13.5%abv, this is an attractive medium-term drinking wine showing touches of complexity and clever winemaking. Drink: 2021-2035 (90+)
Jamessuckling.com 89-90 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015 A very typical Carbonnieux with wet-stones, berries and walnuts. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.
Wine Enthusiast 93 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015 92–94. Barrel Sample. Complex wood and fruit flavors mingle richly in this dense wine. It has fine acidity that brings out the black currant fruits, as well as ample freshness. The structure is solid and the wine will age well. — R.V. (3/30/2015)
Wine Spectator 88-91 / 100 byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015 Has a brisk edge, with plum pit and Campari notes, followed by a hint of rose petal. Iron and sanguine hints chime in on the slightly sinewy finish. Should flesh out atouch more with the élevage.