Le Clarence de Haut Brion, Pessac Léognan, 2023
Quite expressive initially with lots of sweet berries, sandalwood and tobacco. The mid-palate is more mineral and stony (than Chapelle) - quite a different profile - this is less charming, more salty and serious, framed by grippy tannins. A serious Clarence, literally a chip off the old block - will require patience. The product of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.6% Cabernet Franc.
critic reviews
The 2023 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a more expressive bouquet compared to the La Chapelle, a mixture of red and black fruit, black pepper and clove, a little feistier than expected. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a little riper and plusher than the La Chapelle, a little more flesh on the pepper finish.
A blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3.6% Cabernet Franc, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of shaking to wake up scents of fresh black and red currants, raspberry leaves, and star anise, leading to touches of mossy tree bark and wet slate. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well knit freshness to support the spritely fruit, finishing with a savory lift.
More intense and deeply coloured than the Chapelle, this is inky, cassis, spiced bilberry, with a slow build tannnic architecture, and the most gorgeous slate scrape. Exceptional vintage of this wine, one to savour.
With aromas of ripe raspberries, dark wild berries and flowers, the 2023 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a moderately weighted, firm and dense wine on the palate with sweet structuring tannins and a long, vibrant finish. This blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.6% Cabernet Franc is a great bottle in the making.