Clarence de Haut-Brion - Pessac-Léognan 2015

Wine Advocate

92

par Neal Martin le 02/03/2018

 The Haut Brion 2015 Blanc is a blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Sémillon. This is much more expressive on the nose than the La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, with green apples, kiwi fruit, minerals and later gooseberry and tinned peaches. The palate is very well balanced with a fine thread of acidity, complex and nuanced with a fabulous, slightly creamy-textured finish with veins of apricot and tangerine. What a wonderful Haut Brion Blanc this is turning into. Anticipated maturity: 2020 - 2045. 

Vinous

92

par Antonio Galloni le 27/02/2018

Just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a very serious second wine. The Clarence captures the personality of the vintage at Haut-Brion with terrific eloquence. An infusion of black cherry, mocha, tobacco, chocolate and violet leads into the dark, virile finish. What a gorgeous wine this is!

Wine Advocate

93

par Lisa Perrotti-Brown le 22/02/2018

This is a seriously impressive vintage for this second label of Chateau Haut-Brion. Blended of 57% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries, warm plums, dusty soil and spice cake with touches of dried roses and cigar boxes. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful concentration and depth, it features firm, beautifully rounded tannins and lively acid, finishing long and earthy.

Wine Spectator

94

par James Molesworth le 15/02/2018

Offers a warm, plush, inviting feel, with tar, melted licorice and cocoa notes rolling out first, followed by a swath of warm plum and blackberry reduction flavors. Shows an alluring thread through the finish. Needs a little time to unwind, but there's lots to like here. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2035. 7,150 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

95

par James Suckling le 12/02/2018

Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91

par Jeb Dunnuck le 30/11/2017

Decanter.com

91

par Jane Anson le 02/05/2016

More powerful than La Chapelle this year. 57% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. Excellent tannin structure and very good quality fruit of great length. Beautiful bright reflection of violet edging. One that is set to develop slowly.2023-2033

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-91

par Jeff Leve le 30/04/2016

Smoky blackberries, plums and dark cherries offer up a silky, lush, rich, ripe and supple textured pleasure. It's hard to believe a wine this good is only their second wine. Produced from 57% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, this wine hit 14.6% alcohol with a pH of 3.73.

Vinous

90-92

par Antonio Galloni le 27/04/2016

A huge, ample wine, the 2015 La Clarence de Haut-Brion will give readers a very good idea of what the vintage is all about at the château. The flavors are dark and boldly sketched throughout. Violet, lavender, mint, spice, gravel and earthiness all add to the wine's distinctly masculine, brooding personality. Far from an easygoing second wine, the 2015 Clarence has the pedigree to drink well for a number of years, but it also needs time in bottle to come together fully.

timatkin.com

93

par Tim Atkin MW le 20/04/2016

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

par James Suckling le 05/04/2016

Racy and refined second wine with polished and pretty tannins. Full body. Pretty.