Le Clarence de Haut Brion 2017 (750ML)

89-91 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Cabernet Franc and 1.7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with aromas of red and black plums, black cherries and cinnamon over dried herbs, underbrush and tobacco nuances. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, with lovely red fruit and an herbal lift on the finish." 4/18

89-91 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is laced with expressive dark red cherry, plum, rose petal and lavender. Pliant and inviting, yet also light on its feet, the Clarence captures all the freshness that is typical of the wines of this sector of Bordeaux in 2017. All the elements fall into place effortlessly. In many vintages, Le Clarence can offer a very good representation of the estate, but in 2017, the wine is a touch simple and lacking in structure relative to some recent editions. The blend is 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5,3% Cabernet Franc and 1,7% Petit Verdot." 5/18

89-91 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2017 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion was picked from 31 August to 29 September, matured in 22% new oak. There is a little richness on the nose compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission, a touch more volume. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, lively and tensile with a precise and quite sustained and supple, almost pastille-like finish. Drink 2021-2030." 5/18

93-94 Point, James Suckling: "A fresh and bright red with currant, walnut and wet-earth character. Medium to full body, tight tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Haut-Brion is focused." 4/18

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "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." 4/18

90-92+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "Leading off the two reds, the 2017 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is a bigger, rich wine compared to its La Mission Haut Brion counterpart. In 2017 it's a blend of 55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all harvested between August 31 and September 29. Lots of cold fireplace, black fruits, and smoked earth notes emerge from the glass. It's medium-bodied, has crunchy, vibrant fruit, building structure and plenty of length. It's one of the few second wines that's going to need short-term cellaring." 4/18