2015 Château Haut Brion Le Clarence de Haut-Brion

Of all the premier cru's in Bordeaux, Haut-Brion is the greatest charmer, always elegant and refined and always in top condition, young or old. Haute Brion is the oldest and historically the most colorful winery in the Gironde - here in the 17th century the first Bordeaux was made from one vineyard, first served in London's coffee houses and praised by many distinguished writers. In 1935, the winery was purchased by Clarence Dillon, an American banker. He invested large amounts in the renovation of the chai and the vineyard. In 1960, Haut-Brion became the first premier cru in which the wooden barrels were replaced by stainless steel tanks. In 1983 the Dillon family bought the adjacent Château la Mission Haut-Brion. Haut-Brion is almost always the fastest maturing and most accessible of the premier cru's, but that casual, young charm is deceptive, because the wine matures beautifully.

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, 2nd vin du Château Haut-Brion is the second wine from Ch. Haut Brion, formerly called 'Bahans Haut Brion'. The name 'Clarence' is a homage to the American Banker Clarence Dillon who bought the domain in 1935. Today it is his descendant Prince Robert de Luxembourg who is the director and owner. The second wine is of a very high standard and can compete with the first wines from many other Pessac Léognans.

The Le Clarence is a serious and impressive vintage from this second label from Chateau Haut-Brion. It is a blend of 57% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of black cherries, blackberries, plums with a hint of dried roses and cedar wood. Medium to full body with great concentration and depth, with firm, nicely rounded tannins and lively acid that end long and earthy.