Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2014

Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.

The 2014 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a wine of real substance and intensity, especially for a second wine. Powerful, deep and beautifully resonant, the 2014 offers notable pedigree. The tannins are imposing, so readers should plan on cellaring this for at least a few years. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, sweet tobacco and cedar add closing nuance. This is impressive stuff.

Readers looking for more affordable entry into the style of this hallowed estate should buy the 2014 Le Clarence De Haut Brion. It has a classic Graves style in its black fruits, roasted herbs, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors. With a medium-bodied, rounded, sexy style on the palate, it can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-15 years.

The 2014 Le Clarence Haut-Brion has slightly blacker fruit than the 2014 La Chapelle de la Mission, developing subtle cigar box and tobacco scents with aeration but never slipping into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, lightly spiced with a veneer of new oak that seems in sync with the fruit. It tapers slightly but retains its smooth and seductive texture. This is a well-crafted Deuxième Vin. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.