Clarence de Haut-Brion - Pessac-Léognan 2019

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe5/5/2022

This is very beautiful with pure blackcurrant and rose-petal aromas, together with wet earth and black truffle, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins that coat the mouth and deliver a fantastic impression. The complexity of flavor is so satisfying in the finish. Try after 2026.

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe4/12/2022

The 2019 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion shows classic Pessac elegance in its beautiful bouquet of pure cassis and darker currant fruits as well as smoked tobacco, scorched earth, violets, and truffly earth. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated second wine that has notable structure, plenty of incredibly fine-grained tannins, and a great finish. It unquestionably shows classic Haut-Brion character and is a classy, balanced, elegant Pessac to drink over the coming 15-20 years.

Wine Advocate

91

byWilliam Kelleythe4/7/2022

Aromas of rich, plummy fruit, loamy soil, cigar wrapper and toasty oak preface the 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy wine with fine depth at the core, succulent acids and powdery tannins. Ample and enveloping, it's more demonstrative than its counterpart, La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion from across the street.

Vinous

93

byAntonio Gallonithe2/28/2022

The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is just as impressive as it was en primeur. Dark and brooding, Le Clarence is marked by its brooding intensity and youthful reticence. It is far from an easygoing second wine. Black cherry, graphite, incense, spice, leather and game emerge, but only over time. This is impressive, but it needs cellaring.

Vinous

93

byAntonio Gallonithe2/24/2022

The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is just as impressive as it was en primeur. Dark and brooding, Le Clarence is marked by its brooding intensity and youthful reticence. It is far from an easygoing second wine. Black cherry, graphite, incense, spice, leather and game emerge, but only over time. This is impressive, but it needs cellaring.

Wine Advocate

92-94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe7/15/2020

The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 72.8% Merlot, 16.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10.9% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 15%. With a deep garnet-purple color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of crushed black and red plums, redcurrant jelly and wild blueberries plus suggestions of forest floor, lilacs, black olives and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate practically quivers with energy, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering aniseed note. Simply delicious!

WeinWisser

18

byTjark Witzgallthe7/7/2020

Bettane & Desseauve

94-95

by Bettane & Desseauvethe7/3/2020

17-17,5

Vinous

92-94

byAntonio Gallonithe6/18/2020

The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is fabulous. All the signatures of the Grand Vin come through in a smaller-scaled, more approachable style than found in its sibling. Smoke, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice and spice are some of the many notes that enrobe the palate. Backward and yet full of intrigue, the 2019 will be easy to enjoy young, but it also clearly has the stuffing to age for years. Readers will find a wine endowed with tremendous character. Wow!

Vinous

91-93

byNeal Martinthe6/16/2020

The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion offers more red fruit on the nose than the La Chapelle de La Mission, perhaps more vibrant and expressive at this early stage. Touches of orange sorbet come through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and forward. A hint of dark chocolate appears towards the generous finish that develops more structure after three or four hours in the glass.

Jamessuckling.com

95-96

byJames Sucklingthe6/11/2020

This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.