More introverted and shy than during the en primeur tastings, the 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries and spices mingled with pencil lead notes. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it's framed by structured, youthful tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Give it time to digest its élevage.
James Suckling (95)
Violets and dark berries with hints of wet earth and black truffles on the nose. Medium-bodied, this has focused tannins that tighten at the end. Blackcurrants and mushrooms with dried earth. Muscular for the second wine of Haut-Brion.
Jancis Robinson (16.50)
62.1% Merlot, 21.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
More subdued than La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion at this stage but seems to have more energy and freshness. Mouth-filling fruit on attack. Plush texture. Firm tannins but a slight powdery dryness on the finish. (JL)
Vinous (93)
The 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a fabulous second wine. Broad and explosive on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2022 is a total stunner. Dark-toned fruit, leather, spice, menthol and espresso are all dialed up to the maximum. Rich, ample and inviting, the Clarence is positively stellar. What a vivid and deeply satisfying wine it is. All this lacks is a bit of structure on the finish, but then again, this is 2022.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, the 2022 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion brings a darker core of cherry and currant fruits as well as smoky, leather, and scorched earth-like aromatics. It's slightly more concentrated and has a more focused, structured style on the palate, yet it's incredibly well balanced, pure, precise, and elegant. It's a mini Haut-Brion that has tons of Grand Vin character.
Decanter (92)
Liquorice, blackcurrant and chocolate on the nose, smells inviting with soft perfumed touches. Sappy and wonderfully vibrant, really juicy and lively, not so plush although the tannins have shape and texture - velvety and mouth filling this really keeps a fresh and cool blue fruit touch with stoney elements. Light, almost delicate in terms of tannic expression and fruit presentation. Aerial and well balanced. Lovely clarity and poise, well worked and just feels generous and appealing. 1.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.9pH.
