Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion reveals a very pretty nose of kirsch, redcurrant jelly and Black Forest cake, followed by emerging cassis, aniseed, bouquet garni and tree bark notes. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with soft-spoken red and black fruits and herbal accents, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and lifted.

Dark spice and slivers of black chocolate make this a gourmet Pessac-Léognan but showing restraint at the same time. Successful, and a reflection of how much work is being done at this property to ensure balanced wines full of personality.

Fresh, round, lush, polished, energetic, tobacco-filled wine with elegant, silky textures and layers of perfectly polished, sweet tobacco leaf-tinged red fruits. Clearly, this is the finest vintage for Larrivet Haut Brion I have ever tasted! This should offer two decades of pleasure with ease.

A confident nose with notes of black berries and a subtle lychee twist, leading into a succulent, fruit-driven palate with delicate sweet-savoury accents.

The nose is fruity, aromatic and offers intensity, a touch of concentration/power, complexity as well as harmony and power (with finesse and control). We find notes of violet, small wild berries and, more slightly, crushed wild raspberry, combined with touches of crushed blackcurrant as well as fine hints of white flowers, sweet spices, nutmeg and a very discreet hint of chocolate/toasty/caramelised. The palate is fruity, juicy, balanced and offers a fine, tangy acid line, tension (with finesse), elegance as well as a lovely fineness of grain, a lovely fineness of suavity, a slightly airy side despite a little density. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/fleshy blackcurrant, crushed small black berries and, more slightly, fleshy raspberry, combined with touches of cornflower, lilac, liquorice stick, chocolate as well as a very fine sappy note, discreet hints of cardamom, graphite and sweet tobacco. The tannins are well handled, elegant and fine. Good length. A very fine touch of tonka bean on the persistence.

Tasted from magnum. A deeply colored wine with a very fresh, aromatic nose reminiscent of white fruits. The palate is all caress, particularly soft at first, evolving into a long, flavorful finish. A very young wine, especially in this format. The blend now favors Cabernet: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot.

Sleek and fresh, with a pretty beam of red currant and damson plum fruit lined with savory and mineral notes. Subtle tar hint on the finish adds some sneaky length. Nicely done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2029. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 11,665 cases made.

Spiced cherry, blackcurrant, dried oyster, black olive and bark on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Chewy and flavorful, with a savory, mineral finish. Better from 2023.

56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. Dark with a purple-crimson rim. Plenty of sweet oak spice on the nose, well integrated with scented, nicely dusty black fruit. Oaky yet also fragrant. Dry, dusty-fine but firm, compact tannins. A lightness of touch that carries through to the finish, with fruit succulence that stands up well to the oak. (JH)

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Pleasantly savory wood, black berry fruit in the background. A touch of nougat and candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fine blackberry confit, well-integrated and rounded tannins, and a hint of chocolate on the finish. Good length, a versatile food companion.

Medium deep ruby red colour. Fragrant nose offering some floral hints, tobacco, dark berries and finely toasted oak. Quite full palate with generous dark fruit, tobacco, fine oak and spice notes with a well-kept freshness, good layers and a long finish.

Showing beautifully, the 2018 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion sports a dense purple hue as well as a ripe, concentrated, sweetly fruited style to go with classic Pessac notes of sweet tobacco, blackcurrants, damp earth, chocolate, and charcoal. It has a solid sense of purity and freshness, plenty of ripe, sunny fruit, and classy, seamless tannins, all pointing toward a long drink window. I think it's a step up over the 2016. Enjoy bottles over the coming 20-25 years.

Kunz barrel sample 19: closed, silky, delicately off-dry bouquet, plums, tobacco, rubber, smoke. Medium-bodied, finely structured palate with fresh fruit, fine tannins, silky texture, fresh finish.

Closed, silky, subtly off-dry bouquet of plums, tobacco, rubber, smoke. Medium-bodied, finely structured palate with fresh fruit, fine tannins, silky structure, fresh finish. 17/20 2022 - 2036

Lovely texture, with fresher and more delicate aromas than in the past. It will please everyone.

Large 61-hectare estate owned by Christine and Philippe Gervoson. Ageing takes place in 30% new barrels, 30% once-used barrels, 20% in foudres and 10% in amphorae. Lovely fruit intensity on the nose, marked by notes of strawberry and raspberry. Pleasant varietal freshness and elegant, lightly vanilled oak. A touch of sweetness on the attack makes the wine charming and approachable. Freshness and fruit are also well expressed mid-palate. The wine is supported by firm, tight-knit tannins and a racy acid structure that highlights the aromatic intensity on the finish.