Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Les Carmes Haut-Brion is arguably the most singular estate in Bordeaux. It’s the only domaine within the city limits of Bordeaux itself, and the vineyard is a fraction of the size of the estates it rubs shoulders with at only 7.6ha. The make up of the vineyard is distinct, with 50% planted to Cabernet Franc (an unusually high proportion dedicated to this variety, for the region), and in the futuristic Philippe Starck designed winery which sits directly in the stream coursing through the propery. Whole bunches and berries are layered in the cement vats, making it a unique and inspiring Bordeaux wine characterised by elegance and freshness. A nearby 20ha vineyard in Martillac provides the grapes for C de Carmes, which is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. Since 2014 the estate has been run by the passionate and driven Guillaume Pouthier who honed his craft with none other than Michel Chapoutier.