2023 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge

The 2023 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge confirms the excellent form in which this leading estate from Pessac-Léognan finds itself. The 2023 vintage combines the ripeness and concentration of a sunny growing season with striking freshness and precision. The result is a wine that effortlessly unites power and refinement, demonstrating why Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is currently one of the most interesting addresses in the appellation.

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is located in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, south of Bordeaux. The estate has a history dating back to the nineteenth century, but has undergone an impressive rise in quality, particularly in recent decades, under the leadership of the Gervoson family.

The gravelly soils of Pessac-Léognan provide an ideal environment for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Thanks to these terroirs, wines are produced that are known for their combination of structure, aromatic complexity, and refined minerality.

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A special assemblage in 2023

The 2023 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion consists of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot. Due to the challenging conditions during the growing season, Cabernet Sauvignon played an even more important role than usual within the blend.

A notable choice in 2023 was the use of whole clusters during the fermentation of a portion of the Cabernet Franc. This approach contributes to extra aromatic complexity, freshness, and refinement in the final wine.

The combination of the powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and the refined Cabernet Franc results in a wine that feels both classic and modern.

Scent, taste and character

The nose opens with intense aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, elderberry, and ripe mulberries. These are followed by complex nuances of orange peel, mint, thyme, eucalyptus, and subtle floral accents of iris and violets.

With extra aeration, layers of tobacco, wet leaves, graphite, wet stones, and a refined smokiness emerge that is typical of the best wines of Pessac-Léognan.

On the palate, the wine presents itself as medium to full-bodied with an impressive balance between concentration and freshness. The dark fruit is supported by lively acidity and a refined mineral structure that provides tension and length.

The tannins are fine, powdery, and perfectly integrated. The wine possesses sufficient power and depth for long aging, yet simultaneously displays striking elegance and accessibility.

The finish is long, precise, and layered, with notes of blackcurrant, blood orange, herbs, graphite, and a briny minerality characteristic of the Pessac-Léognan terroir.

The style of the 2023 volume

The 2023 vintage in Bordeaux has produced wines with great aromatic expression, refined tannins, and striking freshness. At Château Larrivet Haut-Brion, this resulted in a wine that combines the classic characteristics of the appellation with exceptional precision.

What makes this wine special is the combination of power and transparency. The wine possesses sufficient concentration to age for years, yet remains energetic and refined at the same time. It is precisely this balance that makes the 2023 one of the domain's strongest recent vintages.

Professional reviews

The international wine press received the 2023 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion particularly positively.

Vinous: 95 points (Antonio Galloni)
Galloni describes the wine as an impressive combination of finesse, precision, and complexity. He particularly praises the purity of the fruit, the minerality, and the balance between power and elegance.

James Suckling: 95 points
The wine is praised for its complex aromas of tobacco, spices, eucalyptus, and dark fruit, combined with a refined mineral structure and a long, precise finish.

The Wine Advocate: 92-94 points (Yohan Castaing)
Castaing emphasizes the aromatic richness of blackcurrant, mulberries, orange peel, and flowers, combined with bright acidity and a layered structure.