2017 Le Clarence de Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Bright ruby colour. Bright blue and red fruit on the nose with a hint of sweet baking spices. Compact but well-judged fruit on the palate. Lightly earthy and savoury, but well managed and approachable. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a pretty wine, but it also remains a bit lacking in both depth and overall structure. In many vintages, Clarence can be a sort of mini Haut-Brion, but the 2017 is decidedly light. Sweet floral, spice and tobacco notes open up nicely, but there is no getting past the wine's rather modest depth and compact finish.
A blend of 55% Merlot, 5.3% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.7% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is deep garnet-purple in color and starts off with youthful notions of cedar chest and crushed blackcurrants, giving way to a core of raspberry pie, kirsch, black cherry compote and unsmoked cigars with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating red and black fruits with a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note.
The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a little more ripeness on the nose compared to the Chapelle de la Mission: summer red fruit, orange zest and light tertiary scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. Fleshy and approachable, this is a wine that can be broached when young. Easy going but surprisingly long on the finish. Very fine.
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.