Le Clarte de Haut Brion, Pessac Léognan, 2019

The 2019 La Clarte de Haut-Brion, 74.8% Semillon and 25.2% Sauvignon Blanc, slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh lime juice, wet pebbles, and struck flint, followed by subtle hints of cedar and lemongrass. The medium-bodied palate is restrained, with tight-knit citrus and stone fruit flavors leading to a long saline finish.

DRINKING WINDOW 2023 - 2031

date of review 05/2023

The 2019 La Clarté de Haut-Brion has a bold and powerful nose, quite reduced at first and with a hefty dose of sulphur. The palate is likewise powerful and oaky, reductive with a nutty and smoky finish. This pales against the bottle poured at the château just after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

With aromas of confit citrus fruit, peaches, grapefruit and pastry cream, the 2019 La Clarte de Haut-Brion is full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a satiny attack that segues into an ample core of fruit underpinned by lively acids and chalky structure. A combined second wine for both Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, this has turned out nicely in bottle, delivering a wine that's richer and headier in style than its 2018 predecessor.

DRINKING WINDOW 2021 - 2035

date of review 04/2022