Appellations

Clarence Haut Brion (2nd wine of Haut Brion) 2021

Pessac-Leognan, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

Ruby violet in colour, and the angular tannins found during En Primeur have softened and sculpted over ageing. There is something thoroughly irresistable about this more classic style of the Haut-Brion stablen with black fruits that are fully ripe, bright and vibrant, but still with a feeling of solidity and depth. Even with higher levels of Merlot in the blend than usual, this is structured, and still-tight tannins that need a good three or four years before opening (which still makes it an early drinker within this universe of wines). 28% new oak, Jean-Philippe Delmas estate director.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2038 Date: 02 April 2024

The 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, supple and expressive, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Succulent dark cherry, plum, leather, incense and tobacco are pushed forward. Silky contours wrap it all together. The 2021 is attractive but also quite soft.

Score: 90 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2033 Date: 27 February 2024

The 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has held on to the more floral, violet-tinged bouquet that puts it in front of the La Chapelle de la Mission at this stage—it’s just a little more enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshier than the La Chapelle with a caressing and delineated finish. It is an excellent Deuxième Vin that will give 12 to 15 years' drinking pleasure.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2026-2036 Date: 22 February 2024

Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 16 May 2022

Fragrant red-fruit notes. Broad and smooth on attack with finely integrated tannins. Palate a bit more subdued but fresh with firmness on the finish. Room for development.

Score: 16 James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2026-2036 Date: 11 May 2022

One of the finest second wines in this vintage is the 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered wine evocative of dark berries, plums, pipe tobacco and burning embers. Built around powdery tannins and lively acids, it's an elegant, seamless cuvée that does bear more than a passing resemblance to the grand vin.

Score: 91 - 93 William Kelley, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 29 April 2022

The 2021 Le Clarence Haut-Brion is a slightly darker, richer wine with lots of black cherries, scorched earth, and graphite notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Balanced, elegant, and seamless, it's certainly a beautiful wine and as well as a terrific introduction to this château.

Score: 90 - 92 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 06 February 2022