Le Clarence de Haut-Brion

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.

Tasted blind. Sweet and fairly ripe. A bit austere on the end. But lots of fruit on the way there.

The wild-blackberry and smoky nose draws you into this excellent Pessac-Léognan that marries concentration and freshness beautifully, feeling deceptively light on the palate, thanks to its lively acidity. Long, cool and minerally finish. The second wine of Haut-Brion and a blend of 51.3 per cent merlot, 33 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 13.1 per cent cabernet franc, and 2.6 per cent petit verdot. Try in 2021.