2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The revered terroirs of Pessac-Leognan yielded bounteous fruit in the year 2018, offering us a vintage that both challenges and rewards the discerning palate. It is with particular esteem that I direct your attention to the 2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, an assemblage that evokes the quintessence of its prestigious lineage.
An Architectural Masterpiece in a Bottle
Few creations capture the architectural grace of viticulture as deftly as this second wine from the eminent Chateau Haut Brion. The 2018 iteration symbolises the culmination of environmental attentiveness and enological precision. This investment-worthy claret boasts a finesse that allures savvy investors keen on adding structured elegance to their portfolios.
Climatic Artistry Influencing a Vintage
The narrative of 2018 reads like an epic tale, with protagonists in the form of climatic variabilities. The season carved out a complex identity for this vintage – one replete with characters brought exceedingly alive due to a warm summer reprieve following a challenging start to the year.
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion embodies this story with a palate of layered complexity. A compelling tension exists within its structure; robust tannins and a full-bodied gravitas synonymous with the Chateau’s legacy counterpoised by an invigorating acidity which ensures longevity. Notes of dark berries interplay with hints of smoke and earth, displaying a snapshot of its grand terroir.
Subtle oak ageing integrates seamlessly, ushering in whispers of spice and fine-grained woodiness that behoves contemplation. In sipping the 2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion, you find a well-orchestrated ensemble, resonating with continuity yet suffused with the particular vibrancy unique to this vintage.
In conclusion, collectors seeking depth and nuance will find the 2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion transcends mere appreciation – it's an exploration into the artistry of Bordeaux's exceptional vintages. Balanced expertly between immediacy and potentiality, it encapsulates an attractive proposition for those looking to enrich their investment cellar with a touchstone vintage representative of Pessac-Leognan's remarkable resilience and flair.
Market price (GBP)
£920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
65.71
Scores and tasting notes
This is an excellent second wine from Haut-Brion with fantastic depth of fruit and structure. Full yet very energetic and a long, linear finish. Shows great length.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit-Verdot, harvested September 6 to October 2. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a very serious nose of earthy layers—tilled soil, truffles, underbrush and crushed rocks—giving way to notions of Black Forest cake, kirsch and redcurrant jelly with wafts of cassis and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the palate is sparked with fantastic energy, featuring layers of red and black fruits with a smooth, rounded texture and lively minty kick to the finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The structure is more evident in Haut-Brion's Clarence than in La Mission's Chapelle - the former is not as luscious but has greater depth and the encircling walls that make this feel like the fruit is cosseted and will age well. It has a clear link to the grand vin. 3.6% Petit Verdot makes up the blend. A 44hl/ha yield, despite hail for just the third time in 30 years. 3.84pH. IPT68.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
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.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft and understated. Bright floral notes, sweet red berry fruit and soft, silky tannins give the wine its gracious, classy personality. The 2018 offers lovely freshness in a soft, fruity style that holds quite a bit of near-term appeal. The blend is 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit Verdot.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019