HAUT CARLES de Chateau de Carles, Fronsac 2022 Bottle

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2022 Haut-Carles (Château Carles) exhibits the ripe power of Fronsac: a deep ruby colour with a vivid garnet rim, generous blackcurrant, plum, and Morello cherry notes elevated by violet and balsamic compote. Savoury elements of bay leaf, graphite, and cedar add depth, while oak introduces dark chocolate and a warming spice. It is medium to full-bodied, immediately generous, with rounded ripe tannins, bright acidity, and a mid-palate seam of olive tapenade, ironstone, and black pepper. Its silky texture leads to a persistent finish of bitter chocolate and saline minerals. Drink from 2025 to 2036 alongside roast rib, confit lamb, or venison. Critics have rated it highly: James Suckling 94 (“creamy”), Vinous 93 (“terrific”), Dunell’s 93 (“deep”). This wine also showcases the classic concentration and silky drive of Fronsac for long-term enjoyment.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The growing season in Fronsac in 2022 was warm and dry, yielding ripe, concentrated fruit with good phenolic maturity while retaining supple acidity when handled with care. Haut-Carles from Château Carles is typically led by Merlot, with significant Cabernet Franc and a smaller portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a blend that provides generous black fruit, aromatic lift, and structural backbone. Fermentation is conducted with careful temperature control and gentle extraction to preserve ripe tannin and primary fruit. The wine then undergoes élevage in French oak barrels, of which a measured amount is new, used to impart spice and shape rather than dominate the fruit, alongside a brief period on fine lees to enhance mid-palate texture.

The wine presents a deep ruby hue with a vivid garnet rim. The nose bursts with generous blackcurrant and plum, followed by Morello cherry and a balsamic lift of black cherry compote. Herbal notes of bay leaf and graphite minerality offer a savoury counterpoint, while oak introduces cedar, dark chocolate, and gentle sweet spice. There is also a late perfume of violet and a subtle toasted coffee bean note that adds depth.

On the palate, the 2022 vintage is medium to full-bodied and immediately forthcoming. Ripe black fruit fills the front palate, whilst a fresh thread of acidity keeps the wine lively. The tannins are ripe and rounded, yet present enough to provide a firm frame and significant length. Mid-palate savoury notes of olive tapenade, ironstone, and black pepper contribute complexity and elevate the dark fruit profile. The finish is persistent, echoing bitter chocolate, dried herbs, and a saline mineral seam reflective of Fronsac terroir.

Suggested drinking window: 2025 to 2036. Serve with roast rib of beef, confit shoulder of lamb with rosemary, slow-braised beef short ribs, chargrilled venison steaks, or mature Comté. For rustic pairings, consider cassoulet or a mushroom and black olive tapenade tart. Overall, this is a generous, well-balanced Fronsac offering ripe fruit, savoury depth, and dependable cellaring potential.

JAMES SUCKLING 94 points
A wealth of hazelnut chocolate and creamy vanilla character at present, but the fruit remains vibrant, showcasing rich yet fresh blackberries and dark cherries throughout. Creamy, dusty tannins envelop the palate with a medium to full body and a truly long, plush finish. Modern and exceptionally well-made, with very good length and acidity. Best enjoyed from 2027 when the wood spices soften.
Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor

VINOUS 93 points
Drinking window: 2025 - 2034
The 2022 Haut-Carles is outstanding. Dark fruit, chocolate, espresso, liquorice, lavender, and dried flowers race across the palate. Deep, fleshy, and quite potent, Haut-Carles has much to recommend it. Readers will discover a Fronsac that masterfully balances textural opulence with vibrant energy.
Antonio Galloni, January 2025

DUNELL'S 93 points
Reviewed by Neil Pinel
Deep ruby with a bright garnet rim. Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and Morello cherry mingle with bay leaf, cedar, and hints of dark chocolate and coffee. Medium to full-bodied, the fruit is ripe and upfront, complemented by fresh acidity that keeps it lively. Tannins are round and approachable, with savoury flavours of olive tapenade and black pepper on the mid-palate. The finish is long, with notes of bitter chocolate and a saline edge. Ready to enjoy from 2025 to 2036.

DECANTER 90 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 09 Jan 2025)
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2032
A fragrant and lifted nose, perhaps not as powerful as some, yet it draws you in with soft floral and dark fruit.