CHATEAU CARBONNIEUX

Located in the Pessac-Léognan region of Graves, Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, with a history dating back to the 12th Century. By the end of World War II it had been uninhabited for almost 30 years however, and was in a pretty dire condition.

Ride in the Perrin family to the rescue. One big makeover later, they’re no longer the shabby house down the road in a somewhat posh neighbourhood that contains the likes of Châteaux Haut-Bailly and Smith-Haut-Lafitte. We’re talking new everything, with temperature control and stainless steel.

At 90 hectares, it’s one of the largest outfits in the area, sitting on gravel and producing both red and white wines. It is, indeed, one of the few Bordeaux estates to carry all five of the red Bordeaux varieties, namely 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and a soupçon of Petit Verdot and Carménère. The main player on the white side is Sauvignon Blanc (65%), with 35% Semillon in attendance. Lovers of earlier drinking, red fruity elegance, this is you.