Wine Advisor
La Tour Carnet 2011
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
From Bordeaux visionary Bernard Magrez, this blend of 57% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot comes from one of the most ancient fortified chateaux of the Medoc (constructed in 1120 A.D.). Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by hints of graphite, black currants, spice box and charcoal. This medium-bodied 2011 reveals excellent to outstanding concentration, sweet tannin and a long finish. A sleeper of the vintage, it is a beautiful effort from this challenging vintage. Moreover, it will evolve for 15 or more years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The La Tour Carnet is a blend of 57% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot cropped between 19th September and 10th October, being raised in 30% new oak. It has a slightly anonymous bouquet that demands coaxing, offering undergrowth and tertiary scents, the fruit a little muted. The palate is medium-bodied with a rather angular entry, although there is decent stuffing on the mid-palate. Yet the finish is tapered a little although there is an attractive minerally aftertaste. Tasted April 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
An excellent wine from proprietor Bernard Magrez, this blend of 57% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a big, sweet nose of black cherries, black currants, graphite and smoky oak. Medium-bodied with excellent density and fruit, good acidity and silky tannins, this striking 2011 should drink well for 15 or more years. La Tour Carnet is usually priced very fairly.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A little lean but some attractive minerally tannins, with fresh acidity and a medium fruit concentration on the palate. May fill out with elevage.
About the Producer
The history of Château La Tour Carnet dates back to the 12th century. Indeed, this vast vineyard of 132 hectares is undoubtedly one of the oldest domains of the Medoc. Its architecture is purely medieval as evidenced by the tower, surrounded by moats, which was built in 1120. The domain takes its name from the valiant squire Carnet having fought alongside the lord Jean de Fait: his self-denial and his bravery were such that he received the property in inheritance. Subsequently, the estate belonged to illustrious owners, including the Montaigne family. Since the 2000s, Château La Tour Carnet has been taken over by Bernard Magrez, who has started a restoration and renovation program. Located in the heart of the Medoc, the property has a unique and exceptional terroir, called the “Butte de la Tour Carnet”. It is a visual curiosity but also geological since it is the only clay-limestone mound of the Medoc. The White of La Tour Carnet is one of the rare white wine produced in the Médoc. The estate also produces a white wine. Located in the heart of the Médoc, the property has a unique and exceptional terroir, called the “Butte de la Tour Carnet”. It is a visual curiosity but also geological since it is the only clay-limestone mound of the Medoc. The quality of Château La Tour Carnet’s wines is link to the quality of its terroir of Garonne and Pyrenean gravel. On this type of soil the Merlots flourish particularly well, which explains why half of the Château La Tour Carnet grape varieties are in Merlot. The dominant of this grape gives the wines of the property, a beautiful fruit, flexibility and allows to address them in their youth. During the vinification, the Château team seeks harmony between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in order to have gourmet wines. Thus, the entire harvest is harvested by hand and then vinified in concrete vats for Merlot and in wooden vats for Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is done in barrels, 50% new, for 18 months to coat and enhance the fruit. Château La Tour Carnet is a wine of great elegance, it is a great Médoc.
