2010 Bahans Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
Ripe blackcurrants, smoky earth, graphite, and tobacco notes all emerge from the 2010 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion, another youthful wine from this estate that's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, concentrated, focused mouthfeel, polished yet still present tannins, and a gorgeous finish. Readers looking for more than a hint of classic Haut-Brion character at a fraction of the cost should jump on this beauty. The blend is 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and it has another 15+ years of prime drinking. Hitting 14.5% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.9, it’s almost too good for second wine! Drink 2025-2040.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Fleshy black-cherry fruit with mint leaf, beef stock and liquorice. The pedigree here is self-evident. Lovely fragrance and elegance, which doesn’t suffer any excess of effort that I find in the La Mission Haut-Brion range. Finishes with a long mocha and toasted spice scent. Lovely softened tannic feel with great persistence and huge potential. (RH)
Hint of brett? Sweet start and mellow. Not the most concentrated and the oak tannins seem a little green but there is respectable fruit there. (JR)
Good deep red-ruby. Herbal blackberry, licorice and gunflint on the nose. Slightly medicinal flavors of dark fruits and licorice show moderate fruit intensity but complex mineral, graphite and cedar elements. The moderately sweet, ripe finish is kept fresh by firm, ripe tannins and juicy acidity. Seems sweeter and sappier than when I tasted it at the Primeurs a couple years ago, but it's still one of the more austere Clarence de Haut-Brions in some time.
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.