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Clarence Haut Brion (2nd wine of Haut Brion) 2010

Pessac-Leognan, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

Tasted at Chateau Haut-Brion. I must say that comparing this against the La Chapelle, I find the latter more expressive at the moment, the Le Clarence perhaps riper and a tad more generous, yet without quite the same degree of clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with a ripe, cedar and tobacco infused entry. There is more weight and fruit intensity than the La Chapelle and builds nicely towards an iodine, dark plum and slightly saline finish. I was perhaps expecting a little more after its showing in barrel.

Score: 90

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 March 2013

A blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this has a very different nose to the La Chapelle, the Cabernet very potent here, crushed stones with a hint of graphite. This has more backbone that the La Chapelle, very fine tannins with good acidity, dense blackberry, cassis and a touch of black plum, strict and linear towards the finish which is more masculine than the La Chapelle. Do not overlook this second label. Tasted March 2011.

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 22 April 2011

The second wine of Haut-Brion is now called Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, and the 2010 is among the finest I have tasted there. It is a broad, powerful and more muscular wine than its cross-street rival, La Chapelle de la Mission, but all the same, it is wonderfully fresh and precise, with notes of blueberry and boysenberry as well as hints of smoke and wet stones. Endowed with gorgeous fruit, texture, purity and elegance, this relatively dense second wine demonstrates how draconian the selection process has become for the top estates in Bordeaux in recent years. The blend of this wine is 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest mostly Cabernet Franc with just a touch of Petit Verdot. I would expect it to last at least 20 years, which is remarkable.

Score: 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2033 01 February 2013

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion: Probably the greatest second wine made at this estate since the 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion, this blend of 52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot reveals elegant minerality along with lots of sweet black cherry and raspberry fruit intermixed with hints of damp earth and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied and lush, it should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.

Score: 90 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 04 May 2011

52%M, 36CS, 10%CF, 2%PV. The nose is heady with fleshier fruit and more undergrowth, following through on the palate. Softer and seemingly more accessible than Clarence but with tremendous weight of red fruit, tobacco and violets. Drier with fine grained tannins. Excellently fresh and very long.

Score: 93 - 95

Albany Vintners, - 28 April 2011

52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Very bright blueish purple. Lighter nose than Chapelle La Mission but very refined and aromatic. Drawing-room refinement, really quite spindly. All frame and not much flesh at the moment. Very, very dry on the finish. There is even a hint of green. Will need quite a time to broaden out. 14.4%

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2032 12 April 2011

Fine aromatic red fruits over velvety texture, harmonious ripeness and structure, very fine.

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2025 01 April 2011

This is juicy and still compact, with a big core of plum sauce, pastis and graphite, followed by lots of kirsch and sweet spice on the finish. Still needs to unwind. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 93 - 96

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 31 March 2011