Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2020

An elegant and fruity fine wine from Graves

The estate

The oldest of the Bordeaux Classified Growths, Château Haut-Brion boasts a rich legacy built over five centuries of history. Founded in 1533 by Jean de Pontac in the Graves region, the wines of Château Haut-Brion have from very early on been coveted and appreciated by the greatest monarchs of Europe. In 1663, Samuel Pepys, a member of the English Parliament, participated - without knowing it - in the grand success of Château Haut-Brion, by writing in his diary, "And there, I drank a kind of French wine called Ho-Bryan, which had a very particular taste, one I've never experienced before... ". And the legend was born. The only First Classified Growth of 1855 not situated in the Médoc and also recognised as a Classified Growth in the Official Wine Classification of the Graves in 1959, Château Haut-Brion continues to contribute to the legendary story of Bordeaux fine wines through vintage after vintage of exceptional wines. The Second Wine of this Classified First Growth, Clarence de Haut-Brion follows in the footsteps of its older brother. Bringing together all the qualities of a great wine, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is more accessible in its youth.

The vineyard

A true gem of the AOC Pessac-Léognan, located in the heart of the Pessac area of ​​the Bordeaux region, Château Haut-Brion boasts an exceptional terroir with soils composed of multicoloured gravel, the source of sumptuous, elegant and precise wines that are incredibly consistent from one vintage to the next.

The vintage

2020 is the third earliest vintage in the history of Château Haut-Brion. Winter and spring were mild and humid, favouring an early budding of the vines, followed by an equally early flowering in the spring. The hot and dry summer climate slowed down the vines' growth and allowed the perfectly healthy grapes to ripen slowly at harvest time, giving rise to rich and very fresh wines.

The blend

The Clarence de Haut-Brion 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (60.1%), Cabernet Sauvignon (31.7%), Cabernet Franc (6.7%) and Petit Verdot (1.5%).

The tasting

Colour

The wine displays an intense purple color.

Nose

The superb nose elegantly combines fruity fragrances (blackcurrant, cherry, fresh red fruits) with oaky and spicy notes.

Palate

With a tight and delicious attack, the balanced palate seduces with its density, power, fruity aromas, length and coated tannins.