Clarence Haut Brion 2013

The second wine of Haut-Brion, the 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, is a blend of 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. It is better than its nearby rival, the second wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion, because it is more charming and has plenty of black currant, cherry and plum-like fruit. It has good color, not a lot of tannin, structure or density, but does have the Graves-like minerality one expects from this appellation. It is meant to be drunk in its exuberant youthfulness and thus should be consumed in its first 7-8 years of life.

The La Clarence de Haut-Brion showed a little differently during my two tastings at the property. The first was a little anonymous but the second exhibited more fruit intensity with pleasant dark plum and briary aromas. The palate is pinched on the entry with slightly aggressive tannins, although there is more depth on the finish compared to the La Chapelle de La Mission, especially the second sample that seemed infused with greater tension. Tasted April 2014.