2014 Le Clarence de Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2014 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
As an emblem of savoir-faire in the Pessac-Leognan appellation, the 2014 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion heralds its grace with a composed and harmonious entry. The wine unfurls the intricacies of a vintage that, after a capricious start to the growing season, ended in an Indian summer allowing for gradual maturation of the grapes.
Investment-Worthy Second Wine
Within the hierarchy of Bordeaux wines, 'second wines' are no longer just second choices; they offer remarkable investment opportunities and drinking pleasure. Le Clarence de Haut Brion, the younger sibling to Chateau Haut Brion's Grand Vin, demonstrates considerable merit in investment circles due to both its inherent quality and lineage.
A Vintage Defined by Vestiges of Vigour
The narrative of the 2014 vintage is one of unexpected triumphs. Initial uneven climate conditions gave way to advantageous late-season sunshine, which the winemakers at Chateau Haut Brion manipulated deftly. As a result, the 2014 Le Clarence de Haut Brion advances with assertive but polished tannins underpinning a refined structure. It parades a melange of ripe black fruits, with undercurrents of earthy truffle and cedar that pay homage to the entwined relationship between wine and terroir.
This offering echoes sophistication; balancing its poised fruit core with smoky whispers of French oak that demonstrate both restraint and depth. On the palate, it commands attention without being overbearing—a salient characteristic indeed for those considering it as part of their investment portfolio.
To summarise, one finds in the 2014 Le Clarence de Haut Brion an expression marked by its dignified provenance and vinous virtuosity—a noble accompaniment to any connoisseur's collection or investor’s cache. For those seeking to elevate their holdings with a well-structured wine that mirrors the bright prospects of its auspicious vintage, this nuanced claret is quintessentially poised for appreciation.
Market price (USD)
$1,220.80
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
71.43
Scores and tasting notes
No tasting note available.
James Suckling - Jamesuckling.com (04/2015)
No tasting note available.
Tim Atkin - TimAtkin.com (04/2015)
The 2014 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, you could argue, has a more engaging bouquet vis-à-vis the La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, a scintilla more mineralité and tension demonstrated in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, vibrant wild strawberry and blackcurrant fruit intermingling with white pepper, bay leaf and cedar. There is admirable persistence in the mouth suggesting that it will offer 12-15 years drinking pleasure. This is very fine.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017