La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2025

Lanolin, waxy lemons, elderflower and green apple aromas on the nose. A slightly rich, oily, waxy texture filled with quite cool and crystalline citrus and orchard fruit. A dollop of sweet pineapple lingers on the mid–palate giving depth and nuance while the frame slowly expands, keeping a really cool aspect – textured and weighed rather than too crisp. Ends cool. Could do with a touch more persistence of fruit but there’s purity, delicacy and easy drinkability with length. 3.2pH.

Flowers, a mélange citrus, white peaches and spice form the perfume. On the palate, the wine is fresh, elegant, and fruity, with a finish that delivers lift to its sweet fruits. The wine blends 76.5% Semillon, with 23.5% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink from 2027-2038. 93-93 Pts

Always a wonderful white wine, and this has real charm, white pear, garden apples, an orchard feel that is not the case every year, suggested hidden depths rather than the exuberance of some vintages. Totally beautiful, drawn out, pumice and slate. 23hl/ha yield, August 14, 2nd earliest harvest in history after 2003, just one day earlier. Harvest August 14 to 21. 59% new oak. Grégoire Bucaille vineyard manager. 3.35ph

Hints of hazelnut and citrus, complemented by a touch of aniseed. On the palate, the wine offers a certain breadth, supported by a structure that brings character and savory freshness. An elegant wine to enjoy while young.

On the nose, it’s almost Burgundian in style: white grapefruit, delicate and floral, with a subtle hint of oak; on the palate, it’s creamy, round and expansive, with a certain opulence. The acid structure prevents any heaviness, the length is impressive, and the balance is spot on. An excellent second wine.