Le Clarence de Haut Brion, Pessac Leognan 2016

"The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is an absolutely gorgeous, vivid wine endowed with tremendous aromatic intensity and stunning beauty. Gravel, tobacco, smoke and dark fruit all open up in the glass, but it is the wine's total sense of allure that is most captivating. The Clarence seems to have firmed up a bit following its bottling in June, but that is not at all a bad thing." - Vinous

"This is a seriously impressive vintage for this second label of Chateau Haut-Brion. Blended of 57% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries, warm plums, dusty soil and spice cake with touches of dried roses and cigar boxes. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful concentration and depth, it features firm, beautifully rounded tannins and lively acid, finishing long and earthy." - James Suckling