2019 Le Clarence de Château Haut-Brion

Description

95-96    James Suckling
“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.” (June 2020)

92-94    Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is fabulous. All the signatures of the Grand Vin come through in a smaller-scaled, more approachable style than found in its sibling. Smoke, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice and spice are some of the many notes that enrobe the palate. Backward and yet full of intrigue, the 2019 will be easy to enjoy young, but it also clearly has the stuffing to age for years. Readers will find a wine endowed with tremendous character. Wow!” (June 2020)

92-94    Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“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!” (June 2020)

91-93    Neal Martin for Vinous
“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” (June 2020)