Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2022

The intensity and delicateness of a red Pessac-Léognan Second Wine

The estate

The oldest of Bordeaux's Grand Crus, Château Haut-Brion boasts a rich heritage built on five centuries of history. Founded in 1533 by Jean de Pontac in the Graves region, the wines of Château Haut-Brion were soon coveted and appreciated by the greatest monarchs of Europe. In 1663, Samuel Pepys, a member of the English Parliament, unknowingly contributed to the success of Château Haut-Brion through his diary, writing: " …and there (I) drank a sort of French wine called Ho Bryan, that hath a good and most particular taste that I never met with." The legend was born. First Grand Cru Classé outside the Médoc in 1855 and recognised as a Cru Classé in the Official Classification of Graves Wines in 1959, Château Haut-Brion continues to write the legend of the world's greatest wines, confirming its exceptional consistency vintage after vintage. The Second Wine of the Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Haut-Brion, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion follows in the footsteps of its predecessor. Bringing together all the qualities of a great wine, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is more immediately accessible.

The vineyard

A benchmark among the great wines of Pessac-Léognan and located within the Pessac urban area, Château Haut-Brion boasts an exceptional terroir on soils composed of multicoloured gravel, producing sumptuous, elegant, precise wines that are incredibly consistent from one vintage to the next.

The vintage

The winter began with heavy rainfall, ideal for replenishing water reserves, and from February onwards mild weather that advanced early budburst. The frost in April had a minimal impact on the vineyards, before a mild May. Flowering was uniform and of good quality. Rainfall in June compensated for the lack of water before a particularly hot, dry summer. Despite these conditions, the vines held up ideally, supported by the expertise of the teams and the adaptation of viticultural practices. The harvest for the 2022 vintage began on 17 August for the whites, the earliest since 2003. Harvesting of the reds began on 29 August. The health of the vineyards was exceptional.

Winemaking and ageing

Ageing in barrels (20% new).

Blend

Merlot (62.1%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (21.9%)
Cabernet Franc (14.5%)
Petit Verdot (1.5%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Clarence from Haut-Brion 2022

Tasting

Colour
The wine is of a bright, dazzling deep crimson colour.

Nose
Intense and fresh, the nose reveals a fruity structure (red fruits).

Palate
The attack is both precise and well-structured; The palate delights with delicate, juicy tannins.