This is another estate that has experienced a dramatic increase in quality since being acquired by Bernard Magrez. Moreover, since it is a large estate (180 acres), the wines tend to sell at a reasonable price ... good news for consumers. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2003 offers both complexity and pleasure. Already sensual and evolved, it reveals soft, sexy notes of plums, figs, black currants, pain grille, and earth. Although full-bodied, opulent, pure, and rich, it appears to be on a fast evolutionary track, so consumption over the next decade is recommended.

A classified growth that remains somewhat under-the-radar (especially in 2003), La Tour Carnet’s 2003 is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon blended with small percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The dark ruby/plum color is followed by a rich, lush, round, fully mature wine with low acidity, ripe fruit and a classic Bordeaux character. Drink this outstanding effort over the next decade.

Medium red-ruby. Black raspberry and roast coffee on the sexy nose. Sweet, pliant and generous, with a burst of fruit and nicely integrated oakiness. Juicy for a wine this rich. Finishes with fine tannins and very good length.

Quite dark but less glowing than the 2003. Some burnt aromas. Round and with lots of almost salty fruit. Quite fine tannins. Less dried than some and there is some freshness. Long. (JR)