Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2023 red

Intense blackcurrant aroma with floral overtones, clear and pure; elegant on the palate, silky tannins, crisp fruit, plenty of harmony and very good length. A joy for the senses!

Fully aromatic, dark purple flowers and sweetly scented blue and black berry notes. Sweet and supple, nice chalky, powdery tannins give weight to the bright red berries. Lovely tannin integration and persistence of flavour. Straight and focused, not plush, but this has a nice structure and good length. Some mineral, graphite notes on the finish.

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Cask sample. Crimson hue. Attractive nose with a hint of quality oak. Tannins smooth and refined. Medium-bodied with some persistence. (JL)

The 2023 Larrivet Haut-Brion is terrific, just as it was en primeur. A wine of polish, nuance and delineation, it dazzles from start to finish. Crushed rocks, blood orange, mint and pomegranate soar from the glass. The 2023 exudes purity and nuance, along with a compelling mix of power and finesse.

Balanced delivery of intense black fruits, a clear tannic frame, and carefully judged extractions, emphasizing a floral character alongside smoked liquorice root and cedar spice. Launching an ambitious eco-forestry programme at this estate, owned by the Gervoson family since 1987. 92% aged in a mix of new oak and one-year-old barrels, the rest in a variety of other containers.

Score: 93–95. A sensual, smoky, roasted bouquet that warms like the first spring sun, without fully dispelling the freshness in the air. On the palate, the wine immediately shows superb succulence of pure, elevated fruit, and an intense freshness like a handful of young herbs, yet with no greenness. The finish is caressing.

Offers enticing flavors of mulled red and black cherry and currant fruit infused liberally with black tea, sandalwood and mesquite notes. There’s a smoldering feel on the finish, plus a late twinge of iron. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2037. 7,200 cases made, 1,440 cases imported.

Quite floral in the nose, you also enjoy nuances of tobacco, red fruits, and forest leaves. The palate is bright, fresh, and almost crisp, with sweet red berries and an earthy, slightly green-tinted finish. The wine is made from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot. Drink from 2028-2045.