Tasting Notes
Vinous 91
The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is a tad more open on the nose compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission, offering red cherries, wild strawberry and just a touch of bergamot tea. The palate is well balanced, with fine-grained tannin framing the black fruit, exhibiting more grip than its La Mission counterpart and more complexity on the lightly spiced, persistent finish. Excellent.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2038
Robert Parker 93
Blended of 51.3% Merlot, 13.1% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.6% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion features beautiful rose hip tea, fallen leaves and black olives scents over a core of redcurrant jelly, cassis and pencil shavings plus touches of menthol and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, the palate is finely crafted with delicate red and black fruits laced with loads of earthy accents, framed by grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering mineral note.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034
JancisRobinson.com 17
Tasted blind. Sweet and fairly ripe. A bit austere on the end. But lots of fruit on the way there.
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2042
