Critic Notes
Very salty and fruity with lots of dried pineapple and lemon rind. Medium-to full-bodied, dense and long. White pepper, too. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
Score: 93-94/100James Suckling
Mainly Sémillon. Rich and sweet and seductive. Spicy and racy. Apr 2017, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2018-2024
Score: 17-/20Jancis RobinsonDrinking Window: 2018-2024
The 76% of high-yield Sémillon in this wine is unusual from Domaine Clarence Dillon's top estates. The blend (with 24% Sauvignon Blanc) is drawn from the second wine vats of Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. Concentrated and lightly perfumed, it is likely to age quickly. Apr 2017, Roger Voss, www.wineenthusiast.com
Score: 90-92/100Wine Enthusiast
Composed of 76.3% Semillon and 23.7% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2016 La Clarte de Haut-Brion features very pretty honeysuckle, yuzu, lemon drops and fresh pears scents with hints of kumquat and lime leaves. Medium-bodied with fantastic freshness, the palate features a great intensity of citrus flavors and a long chalky finish. Nov 2018, www.robertparker.com
Score: 91-/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Exceptionally rich flavour and succulence on show here, a lovely Clarté in a tough vintage that is more exotic than in some years but absolutely works. Some spicy herbal notes of rosemary pick up the mid-palate and there is a freshness that ensures a mouthwatering uplift to the finish. An interesting side note - there is 60% new oak here, significantly more than in the grand vin, showing just how the technical team truly is led by what is best for the wine, not what is expected of it. 76.3% Sémillon and 23.7% Sauvignon Blanc, harvested to 13th September. The pH ranges from 3.16 to 3.22 across lots. Apr 2017, www.decanter.com, Drink: 2018-2025
Score: 90-/100DecanterDrinking Window: 2018-2025
The 2016 La Clarté de Haut-Brion feels quite rich and intense owing to the high percentage of Sémillon (76 percent) in the blend this year. A phenolic, broad white, the 2016 has plenty of personality, although it naturally lacks the pedigree of the top selections. It will be interesting to see if the Clarté finds a bit more harmony during its aging. Today, some of the edges show through. Citrus peel, stone fruit, mint and chalk add closing nuances. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
Score: 88-91/100Antonio Galloni
The 2016 La Clarte de Haut-Brion Blanc is a blend of 23.7% Sauvignon Blanc and 76.3% Sémillon. It has a light lime flower scented bouquet that does not quite have the vigor of the 2015 last year. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, taut and linear with fresh grapefruit and hints of pineapple towards the brisk finish. Apr 17, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2019-2028 Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2019-2028
Score: 87-89/100Neal MartinDrinking Window: 2019-2028
