Wine Advisor
La Tour Carnet 2013
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon the Chateau La Tour Carnet 2014 has a tight knit, slightly herbaceous bouquet with plenty of sous-bois aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with green-tinged black peppery fruit on the entry, although it attains a decent degree of harmony towards the finish. Tasted March 2014.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A relatively new cuvee from visionary Bernard Magrez, this 100% Merlot from a 3-acre parcel was harvested between October 2-9. A medium-bodied wine, it exhibits blueberry and raspberry fruit, firm tannins in the finish, good flesh and ripeness, and an attractive finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Bernard Magrez’s dense ruby/plum/purple-colored 2013 La Tour Carnet possesses good depth and ripeness as well as a rich, concentrated character. Even though there is something one-dimensional about this cuvee (no doubt because of the vintage’s shortcomings), it is a successful effort in this tough vintage. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2013 La Tour Carnet is a delightful, forward wine to drink over the next few years. Sweet red plums, pomegranate, freshly cut flowers and cinnamon are some of the notes that are woven together in the glass. The 2013 isn't terribly complex, but it is quite pretty and nicely balanced. Tasted three times.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A balanced, refined wine with silky tannins and a blackberry and dark-cherry character. Medium to full body. Clean mineral and dark-fruit character.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Fresh herbs and black currants on the nose. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. A little lean but shows attractive citrus at the finish. Drink now.
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.
