2004 Larrivet Haut Brion

50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot from a 32ha property located on 2 gravel-based hill crests. The grapes were hand-picked in late Sept 2004. Fermented for 5-7 days, with pumping over twice daily and a 21 day vatting. Malolactic fermentation. Oak ageing for 18 months, 70% new oak barrels and 30% one or two years old. Winemaker Monsieur Gervoson. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. TA 3.0g/l, pH 4.0, RS <2.0g/l. Smudgy garnet, a little cloudy. A lightly fresh leafiness but also the first stages of forest floor, even a little meaty. Dry, chalky texture. Aromatic mid palate and finish. Succulent and persistent and enjoyable now. (JH)

Complete, rich, heady and round. Lots there – not THAT much acidity actually but enough substance to keep the wine interesting, for the long term too. Long. Lovely sweet complete wine – lots of jazzy fruit and great texture. A bit white burgundy-like. Very gorgeous. (JR)

Classic Graves aromatics of soy, cedar, underbrush, sweet currants and cherries along with a hint of smoke/burning embers are followed by a wine possessing excellent fruit, medium body, sweet tannin, and a seductive, lush personality. It may merit an outstanding score with another year or two of bottle age. Consume it over the next 12-15 years.