Château Carbonnieux 1999

This light-bodied, soft, round, picnic-styled claret reveals jammy cherry fruit mixed with herb-tinged tobacco notes. It is best consumed over the next 7-8 years.

Very light and diluted, but clean and fruity. 20,000 cases made.

Bright ruby-garnet color with a fairly wide watery rim. Inky, herb-tinged bouquet with little primary fruit. On the palate, juicy with cherry notes, nicely ripe tannins giving a pleasant smoothness to the medium-bodied frame, with a gentle grip. It lacks a bit of concentration; best enjoyed young.

00: Barrel sample (16/20): Distinctly herbal bouquet, with little primary fruit. Juicy on the palate, with cherry notes; nicely ripe tannins give the medium-bodied frame a smooth, melting texture, gently roughening. A touch lacking in concentration; enjoyable young. 02: Brightening in colour, with little depth and a broad watery rim. Slim bouquet with a discreet, well-judged sweetness, followed by a floral, spicy touch. The palate comes across rather light yet shows muscular contours; damson plum skins in the extract, good backbone. Overall, mid-range. 16/20 drink – 2012

Deep red color. Medium intensity. Mature. A discreet, fruity nose. Typical. Delicate notes of chocolate and cherry. From a technical standpoint, this wine shows tannins that are only slightly more pronounced than in 2002, 2001 and 2000, but at the table this nuance will fade with the food. The attack on the palate has a pleasantly soft touch. Overall, this wine compensates well for the climatic effect, and I don’t find it affected by dilution on the finish. It can even be kept for another 2 to 4 years.