2013 La Clarte de Haut Brion Blanc
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted blind. 61% Sémillon. A touch smoky but also has a light apricot note. Tight, bright but does taste as if there is some botrytis here – adding interest rather than elegance. There's power here too but rather brash. According to Stephen Browett of Farr Vintners, this wine trades for less than the release price, as do almost all Clarence Dillon wines. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2013 La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc has a fresh, slightly grassy bouquet, complementing the fresh lime, red apple, pear and light mango scents that are well defined and charming. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with a fine thread of acidity, though as I remarked when I tasted this from barrel, it does not quite deliver that killer precision and complexity on the slightly waxy-textured, peach skin and lime cordial finish. Still, it is a pleasant wine and will give 8-10 years of drinking pleasure.
61% Sémillon, 39% Sauvignon Blanc. Stunning nose – wax, lemon, vanilla and fresh herbs. Charming texture, and a lightness of body that fits into the balance well. Modest length, but good concentration and potential for development. (RH)
About the producer
Ch. Haut-Brion is the only classified growth in Pessac-Léognan. One of the five First Growths, it is renowned for producing both exceptional reds and whites. Along with its sister estate, Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, it is part of the Clarence Dillon stable.