Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2018

Appellation : Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

Status : Second wine of Château Haut-Brion

Property : Domaine Clarence Dillon

Grape varieties : Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Vintage : 2018

Tasting

Colour : Deep, dark garnet red.

Nose: Elegant and precise. Notes of ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, plum), fresh red fruit, sweet spices, light tobacco and cedar. Subtle hints of dark chocolate and noble smoke.

Palate: Full, silky attack. Very fine, well-integrated tannins underpin pure, concentrated fruit. Harmonious development, with a velvety texture and fine tension. Long, fresh finish, marked by spicy, slightly smoky notes typical of the Haut-Brion terroir.

Scores :

- Wine Advocate: 93/100

- James Suckling: 94/100

- Vinous: 92/100

Suggested pairings

Perfect with saddle of lamb roasted with herbs, beef fillet Wellington, roast pigeon with reduced juice or duck with cherries. It also goes well with simmered dishes such as a Provençal stew or braised veal shank, as well as hard or slightly blue-veined mature cheeses.