Intensity and focus to this, with length and raciness for the second wine of Haut-Brion, showing polish and a refined texture. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and an exquisite finish. Caressing. 55.5% merlot, 40.9% cabernet sauvignon and 3.6% cabernet franc.

Brambly fruit, plummy and lively on the nose. Quite perfumed. Straight and sharp on the palate, this is brilliant in it’s direction and movement, lifted but with a certain weight and density to it, not plush, more grippy and slightly mineral than Chappelle which is more charming right now, but this has great sleek muscles. Stylish and streamlined but it does expand slowly and feels like it has underlying power. Nicely structured, fresh and clean, good level of balancing acidity and a polished finish. Nice stuff. 3.8ph 3.7 total acidity.

With aromas of ripe raspberries, dark wild berries and flowers, the 2023 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a moderately weighted, firm and dense wine on the palate with sweet structuring tannins and a long, vibrant finish. This blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.6% Cabernet Franc is a great bottle in the making.

Checking in as 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion has a beautifully polished, medium-bodied, silky style as well as ample red, blue, and black fruits, some violet and floral nuances, classic Pessac smoked earth, fine yet present tannins, and a beautiful finish.

The 2023 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a heady wine. Here the tannins are especially polished almost uncharacteristically so even through they are very much present. Black cherry plum chocolate spice new leather and gravel build effortlessly in the glass. Bright acids punctuate the finish. The 2023 is a showy Clarence with tons of character. 2026-2045

The 2023 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is well-defined on the nose with blackberry cedar and a subtle mint aroma showing a little more fruit concentration than the La Chapelle. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry and fine backbone. It’s a little granular in texture sorbet-fresh and pliant with redcurrant and cranberry fruit. This is very enticing even at this early stage.

55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.6% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. More reticent than La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion but shows a stony, Graves character. Juicy fruit and refined tannins. Dances on the palate but needs a little more volume. Good medium-term drinking. (JL)