Chateau Haut Brion Le Clarence de Haut Brion 2016

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is the second wine of Château Haut-Brion, offering exceptional Pessac-Léognan character with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, graphite, cedar, tobacco, violet, dark chocolate, and subtle baking spice. Elegant yet richly structured, it delivers silky tannins, vibrant freshness, remarkable precision, and a long, refined finish.

Food Pairing: Pair with beef Wellington, grilled ribeye, roast lamb, duck breast, venison, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, or braised short ribs.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

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 than its big brother yet still has the balance, structure, and depth to keep for two decades. It’s a stunning wine in its own right.

94 Points - James Suckling

The wild-blackberry and smoky nose draws you into this excellent Pessac-Léognan that marries concentration and freshness beautifully, feeling deceptively light on the palate, thanks to its lively acidity. Long, cool and minerally finish. The second wine of Haut-Brion and a blend of 51.3% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.1% Cabernet Franc, and 2.6% Petit Verdot. Try in 2021.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

The second wine of Haut-Brion reflects the same structure as the first. Here, the fruit is already showing well, giving a fresher element that will allow it to develop more quickly. Drink from 2024.

93 Points - Decanter

The spicy notes are clear on the nose, this feels young and subdued yet full of life. It is more sombre in its fruit expression than La Chapelle, the tannic structure holding on tightly to the fruit, but after a minute in the glass the juice comes to the fore – this clearly has great life ahead of it. 2.6% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Still a touch tight, but there are alluring mesquite and tea nuances peeking out from the core of steeped plum and raspberry fruit flavors, while a solid iron spine drives the tobacco-infused finish. Offers juicy energy in reserve, with the fruit detail taking an encore at the very end, boding well for the cellar. Very refined. Best from 2022 through 2036.