Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2018

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is composed of 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit-Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it jumps up out of the glass with exuberant notes of black cherry compote, baked plums and blackberry pie, plus hints of star anise, underbrush and charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive freshness with finely grained tannins supporting the juicy black fruits, finishing on an earthy note.

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

VertdeVin

The nose is elegant and offers delicacy, a certain aromatic purity, a fine/precise grain as well as a fine sensation of richness, complexity, a beautiful finesse of the grain and deepness. It reveals notes of pulpy Boysen berry, strawberry, small notes of fleshy raspberry, violet associated with touches of bright violet plum associated with fine touches of racy/saline minerality (terroir), spices, lily, pepper as well as discreet hints of tonka bean, an imperceptible hint of camphor and saffron. The palate is fruity, juicy, elegant and offers freshness, delicacy, a very beautiful finesse of the grain, an aerial/subtle side as well as precision and an acidulous frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy/acidulous Boysen berry, juicy cassis, small notes of raspberry associated with touches of small red berries, crunchy/acidulous plum, saline minerality (saline) as well as hint of fresh nutmeg, toasted and a discreet hint of tonka bean/cocoa.

Falstaff

Deep dark ruby, violet tints, delicate watery edge. Fresh black cherry fruit, a touch of liquorice, tobacco nuances, a hint of orange zest, mineral touch. Juicy, good complexity, black cherries, ripe plums, vivid, well integrated tannins, salty touch, chocolatey finish, good development potential.

Jeannie Cho Lee

La Revue du Vin de France

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Vinum Wine Magazine

Jeb Dunnuck

A rocking second wine, the 2018 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion (58% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) offers lots of ripe blackcurrants, cassis, damp earth, tobacco leaf, violets, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, and elegant on the palate, it's a more focused, backward wine than the La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion and needs 4-5 years of bottle age (at a minimum) and will evolve for 20+ years or more.

James Suckling

A refined, silky red with currant, chocolate, walnut and leaf aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a polished, refined finish. Very sleek and creamy. It really sneaks up at the end. Better after 2025.