2017 Le Clarence de Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2017 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2017 vintage from Bordeaux represents a compelling chapter in the region's storied enological history, marked by a frost that challenged vignerons yet paradoxically gifted select estates with fruit of concentrated quality. Among these, the 2017 Le Clarence de Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion in Pessac-Leognan stands as a testament to the resilience and finesse achievable in such mercurial climes.
A Study in Resilience and Vigour
In the wake of adverse conditions that behove an uneven season, Chateau Haut Brion has sculpted something quite meritorious. The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut Brion articulates the estate's adept management and judicious vineyard selection. In this year, precision was key: Carefully chosen plots contributed to a blend less encumbered by youthful austerity than many might presume from such a challenging year.
The Distinction of Terroir Amidst Climactic Adversity
While the alchemy of terroir and human endeavour is perennially pivotal, it became acutely so with this vintage. The wine's sinewy tannic structure forms a deep-set backbone that promises remarkable ageing potential – a pivotal factor for judicious investment. Layering over this foundation are velvety notes of cassis and plum, interwoven with subtle hints of savoury spice and smoketouched oak courtesy of meticulous barrel maturation.
Situated in Bordeaux's first growth echelon, Chateau Haut Brion's consistency, even under duress, fortifies its attractiveness to investors. The 2017 Le Clarence demonstrates their capability to extract grace from hardship, yielding a wine whose narrative is as... ... compelling as its palate – essential for portfolios seeking diversity and poise.
Closing Reflections on a Sophisticated Investment
To encapsulate, the 2017 Le Clarence from Chateau Haut Brion presents a narrative-rich vintage with enviable character. Its undaunted spirit mirrors that of the resilience shown by the winemakers at Chateau Haut Brion in dealing with the tribulations presented by mother nature. Beyond its captivating provenance, this Pessac-Leognan offering promises a future of contemplative drinking and rewarding investment potential.
Market price (USD)
$1,230.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
72.14
Scores and tasting notes
A fresh and bright red with currant, walnut and wet-earth character. Medium to full body, tight tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Haut-Brion is focused.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
A blend of 55% Merlot, 5.3% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1.7% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is deep garnet-purple in color and starts off with youthful notions of cedar chest and crushed blackcurrants, giving way to a core of raspberry pie, kirsch, black cherry compote and unsmoked cigars with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating red and black fruits with a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion was picked from 31 August to 29 September, matured in 22% new oak. There is a little richness on the nose compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission, a touch more volume. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, lively and tensile with a precise and quite sustained and supple, almost pastille-like finish.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Cabernet Franc and 1.7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with aromas of red and black plums, black cherries and cinnamon over dried herbs, underbrush and tobacco nuances. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, with lovely red fruit and an herbal lift on the finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is laced with expressive dark red cherry, plum, rose petal and lavender. Pliant and inviting, yet also light on its feet, the Clarence captures all the freshness that is typical of the wines of this sector of Bordeaux in 2017. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. In many vintages, Le Clarence can offer a very good representation of the estate, but in 2017, the wine is a touch simple and lacking in structure relative to some recent editions. The blend is 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5,3% Cabernet Franc and 1,7% Petit Verdot.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18