2009 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 1x75cl

Neal Martin 92

The 2009 Clarence de Haut-Brion has a refined and elegant bouquet with pure red fruit, undergrowth, clove and leather, perhaps just a little brettanomyces becoming more obvious with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, rounded in texture with truffle and leather infused red fruit. There is fine grip on the finish and it should continue to age extremely well in bottle. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2009 Bordeaux tasting. [Neal Martin, 14/03/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2038

Stephen Tanzer 89+

Dark ruby-red. Blackcurrant, cedar and minerals on the forward nose. Fresh, sweet and smooth on entry, then slightly austere in the middle, with rich black fruit and herb flavors joined by an emerging hint of underbrush. The finish is chewy and moderately persistent. Though Le Clarence has lately been a rather austere wine when young, I’m not sure I like it this time around as much as I did at the Primeurs. I suspect this is in a very closed phase. As the fruit is pure and clean, I am willing to bet it will come around. (ID) [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2012]

Vinous 90-92

(a blend of 46% merlot, 39% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; 14% alcohol; pH 3.88; 77 IPT) Dark ruby-red. Reticent, brooding nose hints at red cherry, blackcurrant, violet, minerals and cedar. Extremely fine-grained and smooth, with harmonious acidity giving laser-like precision to the red fruit and mineral flavors. Completely devoid of any baby fat, this very pure, classic wine finishes firm, suave and long, with high-quality tannins. Though the ’89 remains my favorite Clarence ever (the wine was called Bahans Haut-Brion back then), I think this is Haut-Brion’s best-ever second wine. Along with Margaux’s Pavillon Rouge, it’s also one of the top second wines of the vintage, and better than the grand vin of many estates throughout the Bordeaux region. [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2010]

Wine Advocate 90

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Clarence de Haut Brion ’09 has a much more timid bouquet with light blackberry and briary fruit, touches of sous-bois and liquorice developing with aeration. The palate is full-bodied with a firm grip. Bold and brassy but still very well balanced with a fresh inviting finish. This is showing better than 12 months ago. Tasted January 2013. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2013]

JancisRobinson.com 17/20

Tasted blind. Light nose. Ripe, fresh fruit. Intense and with good concentration on the palate but a bit aggressive and the opposite of mellow. Long, though, and youthful. [13/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2034