Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2009

2009 Pessac-Leognan Chateau Haut-Brion 2nd Wine

Clarence de Haut-Brion is Chateau Haut-Brion Second Wine produced from the same vines as those used for superior releases. The 2009 Clarence de Haut-Brion is 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller proportions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Discreet at first, the nose reveals interesting and complex aromas with the swirl. The first impression on the palate is that of a strict wine, with very tense tannins. The wine proceeds to reveal pleasant length with aeration.

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The second wine, the 2009 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, is almost as large a cuvee as the grand vin. This 7,000-case cuvee is a blend of 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest small quantities of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Once again the burning ember/scorched earth characteristic that often comes from Haut-Brion is found in the second wine, along with more kirsch and cassis, fewer nuances and less complexity than its bigger sibling. The wine is full-bodied with the minerality offered by this terroir as well as plenty of sweet tannins. This is the finest second wine Haut-Brion has produced since the astonishing 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion. Enjoy it over the next two decades.