Le Clarence De Haut Brion 2017 (750ML)

95 JS / 92 DE / 92 WA / 90+ JD / 90 VM

This has a big start of tannins and fruit, yet the tannins are round and polished. Impressive backbone. Full body. Compact. Lots of blackberry and wet-earth flavors. Powerful finish. As the second wine of Haut-Brion, this shows lots of potential for the vintage. Drink after 2022. - James Suckling

The aromatics on the nose are a little subdued at first, but on the palate there is clear density to the fruit, showing great depth and energy. It's a beautiful wine, perhaps a fraction below the ripeness of 2016 and 2015 - the amount of sunshine in July was almost half the average, even though it was extremely dry - but is still generous once it opens up. With no frost, this was an early season all the way through, staying two weeks in advance of average from start to finish. 37% of overall production in this wine. - Jane Anson, Decanter

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, Wine Advocate

The 2017 Le Clarence De Haut-Brion has plenty of classic Haut Brion green tobacco and cedar notes as well as medium body, a juicy, elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel, and a bright spine of acidity. It shows the more seamless, streamlined style of the vintage yet is beautifully balanced, has fine tannins, and outstanding length. Given its bright acidity, I suspect a solid 4-5 years of bottle age are warranted here. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a little more ripeness on the nose compared to the Chapelle de la Mission: summer red fruit, orange zest and light tertiary scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. Fleshy and approachable, this is a wine that can be broached when young. Easy going but surprisingly long on the finish. Very fine. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media