Visiting Château Carbonnieux, tasting 2022, 2021 and 2020

Visiting Château Carbonnieux and tasting through the tre very different vintages of 2020, 2021 and 2022 was the first indication of what was to follow over the next weeks. Not that I was surprised, I have tasted all during primeur, and some also later on, but 2021 is the leaner and more classic vintage, sometimes quite green, other times, not really. But 2020 always show more fruit and intensity, as does 2022. For some 2020 is bolder, for some 2022. What I didn't expect, was how good the whites have turned out in 2020. During primeur I found that some lacked a bit of acidity, well, some did in 2022 as well, but the few years since then, seems to have given a new energy to both these vintages whites. They are generally invigorating, smooth and have a lovely salinity to them. 

2022 Château Carbonnieux blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Lemons, some citrus, minerals, apples, fruit forward, nuanced, elegant nose. Some floral high notes. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, elegant, nuanced, detailed, fruit forward, lovely balance, long finish. 92

 

2021 Château Carbonnieux blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, lighter nose, nuanced, some light floral notes nose. Fresh acidity, elegant fruit and body, refreshing, nuanced, elegant, detailed, long finish. Lighter salinity. 92

 

2020 Château Carbonnieux blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, grapefruits, minerals, citrus, detailed nose, nuanced. Lovely citrusy lift to it. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, fruit forward, nuanced, juicy, refreshing, elegant and long. Saline and detailed, lovely balance. 94

 

2022 Château Carbonnieux

Ruby. Dark fruits, anise, blackberries, vanilla, spices, blueberries, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, fruit forward, quite dense, long finish. A richer and bolder Carbonnieux. 93

 

2021 Château Carbonnieux

Ruby. Scented, red berries, cassis, some floral notes, light herbal note behind. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruits, anise, some herbs, blackberries, dark fruits, some spices, good length. 89

 

2020 Château Carbonnieux

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, anise, dark fruits, nuanced nose, scented and lifted. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, detailed and long. Some spices. 92

 

2022 Rosé de Carbonnieux

Pale pink. Red berries, some spices, light liquorice notes nose, faintly floral. Fresh acidity, red berries, lighter bodied, anise, nuanced, elegant texture, good length. 85