At last a whiff of red fruit mingling with the cassis etc. Very high-toned delightful nose. Fine and elegant, this is a study in balance. The tannins are very visible but they are ripe and round.
FINE+RAREScore: 16.5/20
Lifted, slightly spicy cassis fruit, in a lighter, almost Margaux style, with fine freshness and length. Drink 2014-2024. Decanter.com
DecanterScore: 16.5/20
Dark black cherry colour. Really sweet blackcurrant and blueberry fruit, and a roasted note, dark chocolate. Unexpectedly silky and fluid on the palate though there's still a marked oak char on the finish. Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 16.5/20
Earth, cedar, black pepper and cassis, the wine is medium bodied, ending with bright kirsch flavors. theWineCellarInsider.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar InsiderScore: 89-90/100
Pretty core of fruit and ripe tannins follow through a medium body with polished tannins and a minerally, fruity and delicate finish. jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 89-90/100
This well-endowed Pauillac has a deep plum/purple color, and a classic nose of cassis, licorice, barbeque smoke and a touch of oak. Medium-bodied and dense with fleshy fruit as well as silky tannins, this is a delicious wine to drink now and over the next 10-14 years. Apr 2014, www.robertparker.com
Robert ParkerScore: 89/100
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the HBL has a well defined, understated bouquet with crisp redcurrant and orange sorbet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins and the finish is missing a little tension at this stage. This year, I think Clare made a better Margaux, but this is not bad at all. Tasted April 2012. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
Neal MartinScore: 87-89/100
Bordeaux / France