| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The second wine of Chateau Haut Brion is assembled from the vats that don't suit the final blend of Haut Brion itself. From 2007 onwards it has been known as Le Clarence de Haut-Brion (instead of Bahans Haut Brion), in tribute to Clarence Dillon who purchased Haut Brion in 1934. It is now also bottled in the iconic and distinctive Haut Brion bottle.
This is very beautiful with pure blackcurrant and rose-petal aromas, together with wet earth and black truffle, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins that coat the mouth and deliver a fantastic impression. The complexity of flavor is so satisfying in the finish. Try after 2026.
Aromas of rich, plummy fruit, loamy soil, cigar wrapper and toasty oak preface the 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy wine with fine depth at the core, succulent acids and powdery tannins. Ample and enveloping, it's more demonstrative than its counterpart, La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion from across the street. Drink 2025-2045.
The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a slightly subdued nose compared to its peers and needs coaxing from the glass. Earthy red fruit, and touches of tobacco. The palate is well balanced with pliant tannins, crisp red fruit mixed with balsamic and white peppers, just a tad short on the finish. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2024-2040.
The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 72.8% Merlot, 16.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10.9% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 15%. With a deep garnet-purple color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of crushed black and red plums, redcurrant jelly and wild blueberries plus suggestions of forest floor, lilacs, black olives and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate practically quivers with energy, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering aniseed note. Simply delicious!
Seductive smoked tobacco leaf on the nose, with an immediate unrolling of liquorice, slate, brambled blackberry and loganberry fruits. Get a slight trace of heat but this is charming and utterly moreish, with a concentration and depth that reflects the house signature and the promise of more to come. Clear ageing potential. Harvest September 10 to October 3.
Tasted blind. Not the most concentrated colour. Rich and racy with lots of fruitcake notes. Dry tannins and still lots of oak, but lots of fruit to compensate. Long. 15%
Drink 2027
– 2042
The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion offers more red fruit on the nose than the La Chapelle de La Mission, perhaps more vibrant and expressive at this early stage. Touches of orange sorbet come through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and forward. A hint of dark chocolate appears towards the generous finish that develops more structure after three or four hours in the glass. 2024 - 2038
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.
The 2019 is a blend of 72.8% Merlot, 16.3% Cabernet Franc and 10.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an estimated abv of 15%. We were unable to taste the 2019 before release this year.
