La Clarté de Haut Brion 2014

Energetic white with sliced-apple, lemon and green-papaya aromas. Full-bodied, very vibrant, creamy, dense and powerful. So contrasty. Love it. Don’t miss this. 66% sauvignon blanc and 33% semillon. Drink or hold.

This is a gorgeous wine, though it will just take a little while for the toasted macadamia nut and warm brioche notes to meld fully with the core of creamed mirabelle plum, Jonagold apple, lemon chiffon and tangerine. Be patient. Best from 2020 through 2030. 1,083 cases made.

If you can't get hold of a bottle of Haut-Brion Blanc (let alone afford it) this is a very good second wine to replace it. Creamy, leesy and well balanced, this has notes of smoked lemons and grapefruit, piano wire acidity, subtle oak and sappy, refresing finish.

The La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2014 is a blend of 66% Sauvignon Blanc and 34% Sémillon, Jean-Philippe Delmas mentioning that he blended more of the former, two weeks prior to my visit. It has a straightforward bouquet with crisp grapefruit and melon scents, the Sauvignon Blanc more expressive at the moment. The palate is sharp and citric on the entry with a keen line of acidity, touches of pear coming through toward the finish. Fine. Drink: 2017 - 2023

Shows excellent depth and richness with sliced apple, apricot and pineapple character. Big and rich. Excellent. This is pretty amazing. 66% sauvignon blanc and 33% sémillon