Le Clarence de Haut Brion 2011

This is chewy, with dried-berry and stone character, plus hints of hazelnut. Full and juicy with firm tannins. Lasts a long time on the finish. Second wine of La Mission. Better in 2016.

The 2011 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is a blend of 71.5% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc 22.8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.2% Petit Verdot representing around 46% of the crop (11% of the crop was declassified compared to 20% in 2010.) The nose shows a little more cohesion and fruit intensity than the La Chapelle de la Mission with ripe blackberry and a touch of Hoi Sin. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry, fine acidity, the tannins a little 'fatter' and 'juicier' than the tensile La Chapelle. Good length on the finish. Very fine. Tasted April 2012.

The 2011 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is more mineral-based than La Mission's second wine, La Chapelle. The Clarence de Haut-Brion possesses a deep ruby/purple color along with copious notes of black cherries and black currants intermixed with hints of crushed rocks and wet gravel. It's easy to tell it is from the Haut-Brion vineyard. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.