"92 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous.com
The 2019 Carignan is composed and harmonious on the nose, perhaps a little low-key compared to its peers, pencil box and black fruit, neat 'n tidy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well balanced, fresh and old school with a persistent finish. Chapeau! This is a superb 2019 built to last. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2025-2050, February 2023"
Chateau Carignan is one of the older Bordeaux estates with a long history that dates back to the middle of the 1400’s. There are parts of the impressive chateau that date back almost as far. In 2007 the negociant Andy Lench purchased the property and has undertaken a programme of renovation and has recruited Louis Mitjaville of Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf as consultant for the wine making and vineyard management programs.
Carignan is a large 65 hectare vineyard planted 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. The soils are a mix of clay, limestone and gravel soils. The vineyard shave an average age of 20 years. But there are old vines that are more than 40 years of age as well.
Vinification takes place in a combination of stainless steel vats and cement tanks with malolactic fermentation in tank and vat. The wine is matured in 15% new, French oak barrels for an average of 12 months.
