Clarence Haut Brion 2016

Tasted blind. Sweet and fairly ripe. A bit austere on the end. But lots of fruit on the way there. Drink 2028 – 2042

The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is another second wine that tastes more like a grand vin. Made from 51.3% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it too is deeply colored and has a classic Haut Brion bouquet of minerals, crushed rocks, cassis, graphite, and violet. With medium to full-bodied richness, good concentration, building tannins, and impeccable balance, it’s more supple and sexy that it’s big brother yet still has the balance, structure, and depth to keep for two decades. It’s a stunning wine in its own right. 2019 - 2034.

The fruit is concentrated rich the nose has depth and the palate a powerful mix of black fruits. Fresh fruit in the middle lightens balances the richness and brings out the fragrances and although quite firm at the back there is sweet fruit on the finish. 2025-38

Made with 31% of the total production at Haut-Brion, this second wine is noticeably lighter and more forward than the Grand Vin. It’s a subtle, refined, scented red with raspberry and black cherry flavours, a hint of dried herbs and good underlying structure. 2022-30

Blended of 51.3% Merlot, 13.1% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.6% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion features beautiful rose hip tea, fallen leaves and black olives scents over a core of redcurrant jelly, cassis and pencil shavings plus touches of menthol and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, the palate is finely crafted with delicate red and black fruits laced with loads of earthy accents, framed by grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering mineral note. Drink 2019-2034.

The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is a tad more open on the nose compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission, offering red cherries, wild strawberry and just a touch of bergamot tea. The palate is well balanced, with fine-grained tannin framing the black fruit, exhibiting more grip than its La Mission counterpart and more complexity on the lightly spiced, persistent finish. Excellent. Drink 2022-2038.

The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 51.3% Merlot, 13.1% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.6% Petit Verdot. It has a little more fruité compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion, yet not quite the same mineral tension or complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple black fruit, a fine line of acidity and gentle grip, but I would be seeking a little more personality and depth towards the finish. That said, it does have commendable freshness, but my money would be on the La Chapelle this year. Drink 2020-2032.

Dark crimson. Intense nose that's very Haut-Brion. Fine, restrained and just a bit low key. But very classy fruit and oak. Would give a lot of pleasure quite young.Drink 2023-2038