Clarté de Haut-Brion - Pessac-Léognan 2016

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

par Neal Martin le 02/05/2017

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.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 27/04/2017

Just squeezed citrus and honeysuckle on the nose and on the medium bodied, palate, with ample, sweet, lemon and green apple in the finish. The wine blends 76.3% Semillon and 23.7% Sauvignon Blanc.

Vinous

88-91 / 100

par Antonio Galloni le 26/04/2017

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.

Decanter.com

90 / 100

par Jane Anson le 25/04/2017

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. Drinking Window 2018 - 2025

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

par Jancis Robinson le 25/04/2017

Mainly Sémillon. Rich and sweet and seductive. Spicy and racy. Drink 2018-2024

matthewjukes.com

17,5 / 20

par Matthew Jukes le 25/04/2017

(76.3 Semillon, 23.7 Sauvignon Blanc) | 60% new oak | 13.4% alc. The huge percentage of Semillon here reflects the decision to put so much Sauvignon Blanc into the Grand Vin. This has resulted in a much more tropical and honeyed Clarté than I have seen before. It suits this wine well because the oak calms this exuberance down with nutty notes and the whole experience has tension and also flamboyance which is a great recipe for excitement. 17.5

Wine Enthusiast

90-92 / 100

par Roger Voss le 19/04/2017

Barrel Sample. 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.