Clarence de Haut-Brion - Château Haut Brion

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

par Robert Parker le 30/04/2015

A wonderfully expansive, velvety textured, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, are super and very impressive in the 2012 Le Clarence de Haut Brion. This is far higher quality than what most people would consider a second wine, even when coming from a first-growth chateau. Mulberry, spice box and expansive, rich flavors backed up by velvety tannins characterize this medium to full-bodied beautiful wine to drink now and over the next 15-20 years. Bravo.

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

par James Suckling le 15/02/2015

Extremely aromatic and lively with pure currant and berry character. Full-bodied, very fine and intense. Attractive fruit and tannin tension to this. Better in 2017.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

par James Molesworth le 10/02/2015

This has lots of dark plum, blackberry and boysenberry confiture flavors, lined with subtle black tea, warm ganache and roasted alder notes. Stays refined, with tight-grained tannins supporting the finish. Should have a bit of staying power. Best from 2016 through 2022. 7,648 cases made. –JM

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

87-89 / 100

par Ian D'Agata le 30/06/2013

(43% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot): Good dark ruby. Clean, slightly strict aromas of dark plum, blackcurrant, cedar and graphite. A smooth, juicy midweight with well-integrated acidity and clean dark fruit and licorice flavors. With only moderate stuffing and nuance, this wine turned a bit drier as it opened in the glass, but it is clearly better than the Chapelle, La Mission's second wine.

timatkin.com

92 / 100

par Tim Atkin MW le 30/06/2013

The second wine of Haut-Brion made up 24% of the blend this year, with 34% declassified and sold off in bulk. Deeply coloured and perfumed, this is very marked by its high percentage of Merlot, with notes of fig, raspberry and fruitcake, good acidity and medium-weight tannins. Drink: 2020-28

Le Point

14,5-15 / 20

par Jacques Dupont le 16/05/2013

Fraise écrasée, bonne matière, assez ronde en attaque, serrée ensuite, assez consistant. O= 2016 G= 8 ans

Wine Advocate

84-86 / 100

par Neal Martin le 03/05/2013

A blend of 41% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the Le Clarence is missing some intensity on the nose, especially compared to the La Chapelle tasted alongside. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity. The mid-palate is disjointed at the moment, that tannins a little abrasive, whilst the finish is showing some attenuation. La Chapelle has the upper hand at the moment. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

par James Molesworth le 30/04/2013

Offers plum, mixed berry and singed vanilla notes against a backdrop of anise and tar. Displays a sinewy edge on the finish, but the stuffing is there for development. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

17.5 / 20

par Matthew Jukes le 30/04/2013

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

par Robert Parker le 26/04/2013

Haut-Brion’s second wine, the 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, is a delicious, seductive, fruity, lighter-styled effort exhibiting plenty of crushed rock, floral and mineral notes intermixed with red and black currants, camphor and forest floor. This pretty, medium-bodied wine can be drunk upon release or cellared for a decade.

The Wine Cellar Insider

89-91 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 26/04/2013

With smoky red and dark berries, this wine has medium body with a short and sweet finish. 89-91 Pts

Decanter.com

17,25 / 20

par Steven Spurrier le 22/04/2013

Deep velvety colour, rich black fruits on the nose, already showing smoothness and depth from a great terroir, a very polished, classy wine. 17.25/20pts ( 90+/100pts)
Drink: 2016 - 2026

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

par Jancis Robinson le 19/04/2013

Drink 2020-2030
43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Dark crimson. Very Cabernet-intense on the nose. Then some ripe fruit hits the palate – much more at ease than the Chapelle de la Mission. This does taste like a ‘lite’ version of a grand vin. Very vibrant and chock full of fruit with impressive length. Very fine and easy to see its lineage. A big success.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,8-16 / 20

par Jean-Marc Quarin le 19/04/2013

Couleur sombre de bonne intensité. Nez fruité, mûr et assez expressif. Entrée en bouche bien marquée. Le vin se développe puissant, savoureux, un brin austère mais juteux et long. L’élevage devrait le patiner et ce d’autant plus que ce vin contient 43 % de cabernet sauvignon issu de terroirs qui vont habituellement dans Haut Brion.