Chateau Haut Brion Le Clarence de Haut Brion 2019

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.

96 Points - James Suckling

This is very beautiful with pure blackcurrant and rose-petal aromas, together with wet earth and black truffle, following through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins that coat the mouth and deliver a fantastic impression. The complexity of flavor is so satisfying in the finish.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Made from 73% Merlot, this second wine of Château Haut-Brion is ripe, full, and generously structured. It is a second wine that has its own strong personality. Some serious tannins for texture and chocolate richness support the blackberry fruits. The wine will certainly age well and over a long period.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion shows classic Pessac elegance in its beautiful bouquet of pure cassis and darker currant fruits as well as smoked tobacco, scorched earth, violets and truffly earth. These carry to a medium- to full-bodied, concentrated second wine that has notable structure, plenty of incredibly fine-grained tannins and a great finish. It unquestionably shows classic Haut-Brion character and is a classy, balanced, elegant Pessac to drink over the coming 15–20 years. Best After 2022.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 72.8% Merlot, 16.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10.9% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 15%. With a deep garnet-purple color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of crushed black and red plums, redcurrant jelly and wild blueberries plus suggestions of forest floor, lilacs, black olives and menthol. The medium- to full-bodied palate practically quivers with energy, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering aniseed note. Simply delicious!

93 Points - Decanter

This is a pretty serious and structured Clarence, with firm tannins that give walls and form to the wine overall. Has depth and character to the black fruits, and is one where the Merlot character is almost masquerading as Cabernet Sauvignon. Great quality, with ageing potential and one that gives a real step towards the first wine.