Chateau Haut Brion   Le Clarence de Haut Brion

2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion

By Chateau Haut Brion

2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

In the verdant expanse of Pessac-Leognan, one discerns the pedigree of Chateau Haut Brion's wines with resounding clarity. The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is no exception, remaining faithful to the lineage of its venerable estate. This vintage resonates with the character of an extraordinary year marked by a battle with the elements, culminating in a triumphant expression of resilience and finesse.

 

A Connoisseur’s Testament to Time and Terroir

The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux, while born from a tumultuous climatic start, transformed into a harvest of remarkable quality. The growing season gave winegrowers heart palpitations with its early dampness; yet as summer advanced, optimal conditions prevailed. This rollercoaster resulted in grapes that sat on the vines until perfect ripeness was achieved—a feat that underscores the prowess of premier crus such as Chateau Haut Brion in crafting wines that are complex and magnificently balanced.

 

Profound Elegance: A Vintage Worth Your Investment

The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion exudes an aromatic kaleidoscope that puzzles and delights the olfactory senses with red berries, earthy undertones, and a whisper of spice. On the palate, this red blend reveals a structured precision where plush tannins interlace with vibrant acidity to form a weave as intricate as it is robust. It showcases a youthful exuberance underscored by mature depth—an intriguing dichotomy for investors and collectors alike.

An undercurrent of potential courses through this wine; it's one primed for graceful aging. Indeed, the 2016 vintage stands as an impeccable example of what Pessac-Leognan has to offer: perseverance and grace encapsulated in a bottle guaranteed to augment any discerning investor's collection.

In summing up this 2016 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, we are privy to a creation that epitomises the triumph over climatic adversity—yielding a wine resplendent in character and ripe for investment consideration. In due course, this might well become one of those storied vintages that solidifies the legacy of its noble house.

Current market price

$1,820.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

72.67

Scores and tasting notes

94-95

This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017

93

Blended of 51.3% Merlot, 13.1% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.6% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion features beautiful rose hip tea, fallen leaves and black olives scents over a core of redcurrant jelly, cassis and pencil shavings plus touches of menthol and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, the palate is finely crafted with delicate red and black fruits laced with loads of earthy accents, framed by grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering mineral note.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018

17

Dark crimson. Intense nose that's very Haut-Brion. Fine, restrained and just a bit low key. But very classy fruit and oak. Would give a lot of pleasure quite young.

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance