Le Clarence de Haut Brion is Château Haut-Brion’s second wine which is nothing short of exceptional every year, but this year in particular, we were all deeply impressed by the quality of the 2023 when we tasted the wines of the Haut Brion stable at La Mission in April. This is a baby Haut Brion, and a wonderful version of the heralded Grand Vin which will be approachable earlier than Haut-Brion herself. Le Clarence represents brilliant value for money. Please also see performance below of the similarly scored 2015 vintage. Very highly recommended.
“Intensity and focus to this, with length and raciness for the second wine of Haut-Brion, showing polish and a refined texture. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and an exquisite finish. Caressing. 55.5% merlot, 40.9% cabernet sauvignon and 3.6% cabernet franc.” 95-96 points, James Suckling
“More intense and deeply coloured than the Chapelle, this is inky, cassis, spiced bilberry, with a slow build tannnic architecture, and the most gorgeous slate scrape. Exceptional vintage of this wine, one to savour.” 94 points, Jane Anson
“The 2023 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is well-defined on the nose with blackberry, cedar and a subtle mint aroma, showing a little more fruit concentration than the La Chapelle. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry and fine backbone. It’s a little granular in texture, sorbet-fresh and pliant, with redcurrant and cranberry fruit. This is very enticing, even at this early stage.” 90-92 points, Neal Martin
