Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015

Château Haut-Brion is the oldest and by far the smallest of the First Growth "Premiers Grands Crus" vineyards of the Bordeaux 1855 classification. Château Haut-Brion is one of the few remaining family-owned domains of the Bordeaux region with a history going back to the 16th century. It has been owned by the American Dillon family since 1935. Thanks to its long history as one of Bordeaux's most prestigious wines, the estate has left its mark on the region for centuries.

The vineyard covers an area of 51 hectares (about 126 acres). Slightly more than 48 hectares are planted with red grape varieties. The terrain at Haut-Brion, formed of two large mounds of a type of gravel known as Gunzian because it was deposited during the earliest geologic stage of the Pleistocene epoch, rises between 40 and 50 feet above the beds of the neighboring streams. This gravel consists of small stones, including various kinds of quartz, and it is these precious gems that help to give Château Haut-Brion's wines their distinctive character. Le Clarence is the Chateaux’s second wine.

Tasting Notes

Deep gorgeous color. Blackcurrant, graphite aromas with sage notes. Plush and juicy with black currant fruits, mocha nuances and velvety textures. Builds up brambly firm with savory vanilla oak notes at the finish. While its ready to drink in 2020, this wine will age beautifully for decades.

Awards

James Suckling 94 Points, Robert Parker’s 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast 93 Points

Country: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux – France