Clarence Haut Brion 2012

A wonderfully expansive, velvety textured, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, are super and very impressive in the 2012 Le Clarence de Haut Brion. This is far higher quality than what most people would consider a second wine, even when coming from a first-growth chateau. Mulberry, spice box and expansive, rich flavors backed up by velvety tannins characterize this medium to full-bodied beautiful wine to drink now and over the next 15-20 years. Bravo. Drink 2015-2035.

A blend of 41% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the Le Clarence is missing some intensity on the nose, especially compared to the La Chapelle tasted alongside. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity. The mid-palate is disjointed at the moment, that tannins a little abrasive, whilst the finish is showing some attenuation. La Chapelle has the upper hand at the moment. Tasted April 2013.

More abrupt in its tannic structure than La Chapelle, layered with rosemary, campfire, tar, smoke and spice. Needs a few more years and feels a little stubborn, certainly compared to the seductive depths of the main Haut-Brion wine.

43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Dark crimson. Very Cabernet-intense on the nose. Then some ripe fruit hits the palate - much more at ease than the Chapelle de la Mission. This does taste like a 'lite' version of a grand vin. Very vibrant and chock full of fruit with impressive length. Very fine and easy to see its lineage. A big success. Drink 2020-2030

The second wine of Haut-Brion made up 24% of the blend this year, with 34% declassified
and sold off in bulk. Deeply coloured and perfumed, this is very marked by its high
percentage of Merlot, with notes of fig, raspberry and fruitcake, good acidity and
medium-weight tannins.
Drink: 2020-28