Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 92
Just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a very serious second wine. The Clarence captures the personality of the vintage at Haut-Brion with terrific eloquence. An infusion of black cherry, mocha, tobacco, chocolate and violet leads into the dark, virile finish. What a gorgeous wine this is!
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035
Neal Martin NR
The 2015 feels tight and a little distant on the nose – maybe just going through a dumb phase? The palate is chewy on the entry with quite firm tannin, dense and masculine but this shows some aggression on the finish. I just do not find this bottle consistent with previous examples and will defer judgment here. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.
Wine Advocate 93+
"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."
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2039
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
Tasted blind. Muddy garnet. Hint of veg on the nose and rather overdone in the cellar. But you could enjoy this now. More serious than 3 (Pape Clement). (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2033
