Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2023

What a scent! A perfumed, mineral, profound, floral, playful bouquet; dense palate, creamy texture, very good acidity structure, lots of energy, long finish once again marked by minerality. Like the red wine, a hit.

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon. Inviting spicy/mealy oak layer over the fruit, which is vibrant and very Sauvignon, citrus and herbs and quite grassy. Harmonious and bright for young drinking. (JH)

Green apples, yellow citrus fruits, flowers, and a touch of pineapple pop from the glass. Forward, soft, open, and ready-to-go, the wine finishes with grapefruit, white peach, mango, and just a hint of spice. The wine is produced from 86% Sauvignon Blanc, and 14% Semillon. Drink from 2026-2032.

Pale yellow-green, silver reflections. Some grapefruit, fine woody spice, notes of yellow tropical fruit, a mineral touch, floral hints. Juicy on the palate, fine pome fruit, elegant, fresh structure, some lime on the finish, good persistence, mineral and saline aftertaste.

Grilled white pear on the nose, followed up by cold ash and campfire that weaves through the peach pit, pear and quince fruit. 70% new oak for ageing. Harvest August 26 to 29. 9ha of vines, 33hl/h yield. One point upscore.

Larrivet is certainly marked by its ageing, but this does not preclude subtlety and complexity and, above all, leaves plenty of room for notes of grapefruit, nectarine and hazelnuts, followed by a hint of reduction that ensures freshness. Dense and saline on the attack, the wine shows energy, breadth and character. A wine that stands above the 2023 vintage!

Toasted and aromatic, some spiced notes alongside caramel and lemon rind. Full of flavour with an intense burst of citrus and white stone fruit to start. Slightly tapers towards the finish but keeps a cool and streamlined structure. Plenty of flavour with vanilla, cream, lime and pineapple. A touch full on right now but this will be good. Plenty of potential.

The 2023 Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc is lacklustre on the nose, leaning more towards yellow fruit, as if this already had several miles on the clock. The palate is simple with light orchard fruit, but it lacks a bit of acidity, feels disjointed and lacks vigour on the finish. Disappointing.

Pale color. An intense, subtle nose. Ripe fruit aromas. Delicate on the attack, with a slightly smoky, very fruity bouquet, the wine melts across the palate, pleasant and long. A lively, well-balanced whole with beautifully integrated oak. Very good.