Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion 2012

This is one of the most unique château in Bordeaux today.  The vineyard is situated inside the boundary of the city of Bordeaux.  It used to be part of Château Haut-Brion, until the grand Château's then owner deeded the property to the Carmelites. During the French Revolution, the church was stripped of the property which was resold to new owners of the bourgeoise class. Only Les Carmes in the name still reminds one of its once church ownership.  (Below, Philippe Starck designed new cellar for Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion.) 

According to the estate: "The atypical blend of grape varieties (40% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot) is yet another factor in what makes the estate so special."

"An inky, bluish-black color, this wine has deep black raspberry and blueberry notes mixed with charcoal, graphite and subtle smoke. Rich, full-bodied and silky textured, this complex, stunning Pessac-Léognan from this tiny jewel of a vineyard near Haut Brion is hitting all the high notes in 2012. It should drink well for 15-20. This is another bottled wine that dramatically out-performed its barrel sample." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (4/29/2015, Issue 218), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2015-2035