
Le Clarence de Haut Brion, Pessac Léognan, 2021
We still haven't tasted the Clarence Dillon 2019s and 2020s. They were one of the few estates not to send samples during lockdown. How we've missed their wines. The 2021 range is superb both for reds and whites, with La Mission and Haut Brion amongst our favourite wines of the vintage. The second wines also exude class. Initially glossier fruit than the Chapelle with some good florality and some earthy, savoury notes. There's plenty of energy and it feels controlled, composed and refreshing. If it develops a touch more flesh during élevage it will be outstanding. 70.4% Merlot, 18.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.4% Cabernet Franc, 28% new oak.
critic reviews
Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2021 is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It is a little shy to start, soon unfurling to give glimpses at redcurrant jelly, raspberry pie, and juicy blackberries, giving way to hints of cinnamon toast and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is bright and lively, with approachable, grainy tannins and vibrant red berry flavors, finishing on a minerally note.
Ruby violet in colour, and the angular tannins found during En Primeur have softened and sculpted over ageing. There is something thoroughly irresistable about this more classic style of the Haut-Brion stablen with black fruits that are fully ripe, bright and vibrant, but still with a feeling of solidity and depth. Even with higher levels of Merlot in the blend than usual, this is structured, and still-tight tannins that need a good three or four years before opening (which still makes it an early drinker within this universe of wines). 28% new oak, Jean-Philippe Delmas estate director.
The 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has held on to the more floral, violet-tinged bouquet that puts it in front of the La Chapelle de la Mission at this stage—it’s just a little more enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshier than the La Chapelle with a caressing and delineated finish. It is an excellent Deuxième Vin that will give 12 to 15 years' drinking pleasure.
More closed and shy than La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, the 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion offers up a delicate, complex bouquet with aromas of plums, spices, lead pencil, licorice and dark berries. Medium to full-bodied with a structuring core of fruit, its seamless and vibrant with a long, penetrating finish. Keep it over the next decade.
product details
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