This is a dense wine with concentration and power. Its pepper and tobacco aroma lead to solid black fruits layered with wood. The estate dates its origins to 1292, currently owned by the Perrin family. Drink from 2028. — Roger Voss

The density and mouthfeel to this young Bordeaux are very attractive with velvety tannins that give it a juicy and pretty texture. It’s medium-bodied, showing currants, blackberries, black cherries and hints of chocolate and spice. Delicious finish. Hard not to drink now, but it needs at least three or four years of bottle aging to bring it around to a good spot.

The 2022 Château Carbonnieux (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) might be the finest I've tasted from this château. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by a ripe, seamless Grave revealing ripe black cherry and red plum fruit as well as some smoky tobacco and earthy nuances, medium to full body, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's a ripe, opulent, yet nicely balanced 2022 that will have two decades of longevity.

A subtly toasted nose with clove and wood spice accenting the dark berry fruit aromas. Juicy and fresh, a real shot of bright and lively red berry fruit gives the initial impression before spiced edges come through and give the focus. Clean and detailed, with a subtle chew to the texture alongside mint, aniseed and tobacco elements on the long finish. Feels a little tense still, not so calm, but really pure. And I love the long finish. A hint of alcohol emerges on the finish, but the freshness does well to cover the 15% ABV. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Once you've discovered the flowers, cocoa, and fruits in the nose, you move to the palate. Creamy, smooth, and round, the fruits are smoky, lush, and topped with dark chocolate, espresso, and a refreshing mint accent that adds to the experience. The wine blends 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2045.

(93+ points) The 2022 Carbonnieux, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, exudes a complex, attractive bouquet of spices, dark berries, flowers and oak. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and fleshy, it's satiny and ample with structured, youthful tannins and a lovely oaky finish. It remains an excellent Carbonnieux that should age gracefully over the years. - Yohan Castaing

The 2022 red from Carbonnieux is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. I find a core of cranberry fruit on the nose, overlaid with a little smoky and toasted oak, the fruit not as expressive and confident as some. The palate holds up very well though, intertwining threads of dark cranberry, blackberry and liquorice with elements of road tar, toast and dried damson, all draped over a rich backbone of drily peppered tannins, and there is acidity here too. It has a sense of coherence though, the finish laden with dry tannins but also a rich seam of dark and savoury black fruits. All in all a very robust Carbonnieux which will demand some cellar time. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is a hearty 15%. - Chris Kissack

Gently steeped dark currant and cherry fruit mixes well with singed tobacco, alder and black tea accents. There's a warm earth echo through the finish, which is fine-grained and focused. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2036. - JM

Reserved at first, this takes time to open, offering a swirl of damson and orange peel after a few minutes, white pepper spice and sage, and although alcohols are high, giving a slightly abrupt finish, there is also a sense of balance, with lilting acidities and firm tannic grip. I wouldn't suggest ageing as long as usual, as those alcohols might impact long term ageing. 32hl/h yield after a dry year, 40% new oak.

The 2022 Carbonnieux is pliant and expressive but also a bit more restrained and lighter in overall texture than it was from barrel. Lifted floral accents keep this agile. The long, sustained finish adds to a feeling of refinement. I miss some of the depth I saw en primeur, but the 2022 is nevertheless very fine. -- Antonio Galloni