| 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. 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit Verdot in 2018.
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, which impressed from barrel, has a gorgeous, sensual bouquet of showy black fruit, potpourri and incense, almost Saint-Émilion in style and very well defined. The focused, poised palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very good tension and splendid weight on the finish. It ranks as one of the best Second Wines of Haut-Brion that I have tasted. Not to be underestimated. 2022 - 2036.
A refined, silky red with currant, chocolate, walnut and leaf aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a polished, refined finish. Very sleek and creamy. It really sneaks up at the end. Better after 2025.
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is composed of 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit-Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it jumps up out of the glass with exuberant notes of black cherry compote, baked plums and blackberry pie, plus hints of star anise, underbrush and charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive freshness with finely grained tannins supporting the juicy black fruits, finishing on an earthy note. 2023 - 2040.
Deepest crimson, not as opaque as so many this year. Delicate dark-fruit fragrance. Dark-red juicy fruit on the palate, intense but light on its feet. So juicy and moreish yet persistent, long. Concentrated without heaviness. 14.4%
Drink 2025-2035
Deep colour with a brooding nose of black fruit, scorched earth and sage. The palate is creamy with black fruit and milk chocolate, before chalky tannins build and add a firmness that pairs well with the riper, caramelised fruit tones. This is a spicy, peppery and heady wine but the structure of tannins and acidity do well to tame the fruit and alcohol. The density of fruit continues through to a long and fine finish.
The second wine of Haut-Brion, made from 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion sports a deeper purple color as well as rocking notes of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, and earth. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It's already approachable but will keep for two decades.
(58.2 Merlot, 28.5 Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7 Cabernet Franc, 3.6 Petit Verdot) | 20% new oak | 14.2 – 14.4% alc | 68 IPT | Harvested between 6th September and 2nd October Much darker in colour and also deeper in perfume than La Chapelle, this is a mighty wine with a briary, deep, blackberry and spice palate and the tannins are certainly not shy either. A rich and layered flavour is dusted by dynamic tannins which lift the darker olive and liquorice notes and elongate the finish, too. This is a superbly suave Clarence and it will repay long cellaring. I love the weight of this wine – while it is intense and dark in the glass, the palate weight is not too heavy and this means that it skips along on the palate and this makes for exciting drinking.
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion does not quite possess the delineation of the La Chapelle de la Mission this year, yet still offers attractive blackberry, bilberry and incense aromas that gradually find their voice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. There is more depth and grip here than La Chapelle, clearly more weight towards the assertive and structured finish. This has very good potential. 2022 - 2036
This is an excellent second wine from Haut-Brion with fantastic depth of fruit and structure. Full yet very energetic and a long, linear finish. Shows great length.
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit-Verdot, harvested September 6 to October 2. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a very serious nose of earthy layers—tilled soil, truffles, underbrush and crushed rocks—giving way to notions of Black Forest cake, kirsch and redcurrant jelly with wafts of cassis and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the palate is sparked with fantastic energy, featuring layers of red and black fruits with a smooth, rounded texture and lively minty kick to the finish.
