2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan

Not as charming as La Chapelle, but still an impresive 2nd wine that retains a sense of life and form. Campfire, soot, saffron and dark fruit, with energy and intent as it moves through the palate.

The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, silky and medium in body. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass in an intensely floral wine supported by beams of mineral and graphite notes. Silky tannins add finesse to the supple, gracious finish. The 2013 is 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc.

The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has retained that light but attractive black plum and strawberry-scented bouquet, not complex, but clean, pure and well defined. The palate is driven by that fleshy Merlot component at its core (57% of the blend), surrounded by meaty notes imparted by the Cabernet Franc. There is a touch of coarseness and austerity towards the finish, suggesting that another 1-2 years in bottle will do this deuxième vin of Haut-Brion no harm at all.

Pale garnet. A bit more fruit than the Chapelle de la Mission 2013 with reasonable balance but very much an also-ran. Pretty lightweight. But maybe it will gain flesh in bottle? Hoping so … (JR)