2008 Le Clarence de Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
As with the top wine, the 2008 Le Clarence de Haut Brion still has some upside. Showing a masculine, mineral-laced style that includes plenty of blackcurrant fruits, graphite, and earth, it’s medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and has still-present tannins. It’s a remarkable second wine and well worth seeking out.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Clarence Haut-Brion has a clean and fresh bouquet with hints of damp loamy soil and iris interwoven into the red berry fruit. There is something very “pastoral” about the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, well balanced with decent depth. It is not overly complex but it conveys a sense of energy and there is a palpable saline note that lingers on the aftertaste. This is a real turn up for the books, far surpassing my own expectations. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.
Tasted blind. Quite sweet and luscious on the nose. Then rather drying on the end. A bit out of sync between nose and palate. (JR)
Fairly lightweight. Lots of sweet fruit and drying on the finish. A bit harsh and hot. (JR)
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.