Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2024

Initially a bit restrained, it shows subtle roasted notes and pronounced blackcurrant; fruit-driven opening, soft, perfectly ripe fruit, powdery tannins, stimulating bitterness on the finish, licorice on the aftertaste.

Fragrant red cherry and blackcurrant on the nose. Fruit forward and expressive, this has a bit of sweet and sourness - cherry and strawberry with some toasted cedar, tobacco and clove touches bringing the spice to the fore. High toned, bright and direct, this has lots of energy and in time will settle nicely. Mint, clove, cedar spice lingers long on the finish. 3.65pH. 6.3% press

45.7% Merlot, 32.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Darker hue than Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion and a bit more weight, then a longer finish. Otherwise, round and supple with fine tannins. Less aggressive acidity. (JL)

Herbs, flowers, spice, tobacco, and red fruits open the bouquet. The wine is medium-bodied, lifted, juicy, fresh, and crisp. There is a spicy note to the fruits on the palate adding complexity which I really like. This will drink well quite early in life. The wine blends 46.7% Merlot, 32.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 22% Cabernet Franc. 13.1% ABV, 3.65 pH. Drink 2027-2040. 90-92 points

A nose of freshly picked raspberries and blueberries, mingled with damp leaves and stems, like in a harvest basket. On the palate, the texture is broad, sumptuous and caressing, before a wave of tangy red fruit brings its brightness. The finish reveals a touch of fresh coffee, a signature of barrel aging.

Lovely, racy, forthright nose offering depth, good definition, and accuracy. It reveals notes of wild blackcurrant, graphene and, more subtly, Madagascar pepper, with touches of cornflower and small fresh flowers, as well as fine hints of dry gravel, a hint of smoke, infusion and sap. The palate is beautifully handled, fruity, juicy and balanced, delivering freshness, minerality, a tangy backbone, juiciness, energy, and a vibrant, chiseled character. A fine, enveloping touch. On the palate, the wine expresses notes of juicy/fresh blackberry, crisp blackcurrant and, more subtly, fresh flowers, accompanied by a hint of small fresh red fruits, fine hints of toasty notes, cocoa, cornflower and a discreet hint of cocoa nibs. The tannins are fresh, precise and finely chalky.

Clearer levels of intensity and concentration than Chapelle from the same stable, even a touch of fennel and liquorice, a welcome gourmet character in this lean-styled vintage, plenty of spice and savoury black fruits, with salinity on the finish. Quite a different expression than recent vintages with lower alcohol and slim frame, but this delivers estate signature. 6.3% press, 31% new oak., harvest September 17 to October 4, 26hl/h yield.

Very deep colour with purple and garnet highlights. Moderately aromatic nose, fruity and smoky, becoming finer and more subtle with a swirl of the glass. Supple on entry, particularly flavoursome on the mid-palate, with a lovely texture and taste; the wine finishes savoury and long. Blend: 45.7% Merlot, 32.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 13.10% - pH: 3.65 - IPT: 61. 35% of the production.