Tasting Notes
Vinous 89-91
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.
Robert Parker 87
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.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2025