2018 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion
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Tasting notes
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion reveals a very pretty nose of kirsch, redcurrant jelly and Black Forest cake, followed by emerging cassis, aniseed, bouquet garni and tree bark notes. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with soft-spoken red and black fruits and herbal accents, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and lifted.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion has retained its seductive nose in bottle, now maybe just a little more gamy than I recall, but full of black fruit laced with dark chocolate and a hint of espresso. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins that have hardened a little, powdery in texture and less fleshy than 12 months ago. I wonder if this is going to close up. I will be cautious with my score for now.
Showing beautifully, the 2018 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion sports a dense purple hue as well as a ripe, concentrated, sweetly fruited style to go with classic Pessac notes of sweet tobacco, blackcurrants, damp earth, chocolate, and charcoal. It has a solid sense of purity and freshness, plenty of ripe, sunny fruit, and classy, seamless tannins, all pointing toward a long drink window. I think it's a step up over the 2016. Enjoy bottles over the coming 20-25 years.
About the producer
Known as La Rivette prior to the late 19th century, this property is owned by the Gervoson family (best known for the Bonne Maman brand). They farm 75 hectares, with around seven of those dedicated to white grapes.