Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 15.5
Full, rich nose and quite a modern impression. All macerated berries. Better than most but with some jagged spikes on the palate. Long.
Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016
Robert Parker 90
Tasted at the chateau in Bordeaux. The 2001 is superior to the 1996 on the nose with vigorous black fruit laced with tobacco and cured meats, the Cabernet Franc more expressive here that upon earlier vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly rustic entry, but there is plenty of enjoyable tarry black fruit and the acidity is finely tuned. This is drinking perfectly now. Very fine. Tasted November 2012.
Vinous 90
The 2001 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a fresher, cleaner bouquet than the 2000, generously scented with blackberry, star anise, licorice and light dried blood/ferrous notes, all nicely focused and demonstrating impressive vigor for a 20-year-old. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and very saline in the mouth. Not amazingly complex, but certainly structured and almost like a Madiran on the stocky finish, which cuts away a little quickly. With adequate decanting, I can imagine this turning into a decent 2001.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2032
