Description
When he purchased Château Haut-Brion in 1935, Clarence Dillon restored it to its former glory and to the elite circle of the most legendary wines in the world. This extraordinary, bold, courageous vision is now continued by the fourth generation of the family, represented by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Chairman since 2008.
Located in the town of Pessac, just a few kilometres from Bordeaux, Château Haut-Brion – the first of the three estates acquired by the Dillon family – is the oldest winegrowing property in the region.
The colour is very deep with attractive red highlights. The first impression on the nose is of ripe fruit. Swirling in the glass shows the bouquet’s intensity and complexity. 2015 Clarence is tasty and full-bodied from the very first, going on to show refined, tight-knit tannin. The wine leaves an impression of freshness and plenty of volume, but without heaviness.
Blend: 57% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc.
Critical Acclaim
JS94
James Suckling
Racy and refined second wine with polished and pretty tannins. Full body. Pretty.
Barrel Sample: 93-94
WS94
Wine Spectator
Offers a warm, plush, inviting feel, with tar, melted licorice and cocoa notes rolling out first, followed by a swath of warm plum and blackberry reduction flavors. Shows an alluring thread through the finish. Needs a little time to unwind, but there’s lots to like here. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2035.
RP93
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
This is a seriously impressive vintage for this second label of Chateau Haut-Brion. Blended of 57% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries, warm plums, dusty soil and spice cake with touches of dried roses and cigar boxes. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful concentration and depth, it features firm, beautifully rounded tannins and lively acid, finishing long and earthy.
Rating: 93+
WE93
Wine Enthusiast
This is dense and concentrated, reflecting the character of Haut-Brion itself. It has weight, firm tannins and power alongside juicy black fruits and acidity that will give great pleasure as they develop. Drink from 2023.
D91
Decanter
More powerful than La Chapelle this year. 57% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. Excellent tannin structure and very good quality fruit of great length. Beautiful bright reflection of violet edging. One that is set to develop slowly. Barrel Sample.
JD91
Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off the reds, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is the second wine of the estate and is 57% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Like its big brother, it has a classic, straight profile, medium-bodied richness, and textbook Graves notes of tobacco leaf, cedary spice, currants, and plums. Balanced, nicely concentrated, and with fine tannin, it will be better in a few years and keep for a decade or more.
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