2010 Le Clarence (Formerly Bahans) de Haut-Brion Pessac Leognan 1x750ml

Vinous 89

Good deep red-ruby. Herbal blackberry, licorice and gunflint on the nose. Slightly medicinal flavors of dark fruits and licorice show moderate fruit intensity but complex mineral, graphite and cedar elements. The moderately sweet, ripe finish is kept fresh by firm, ripe tannins and juicy acidity. Seems sweeter and sappier than when I tasted it at the Primeurs a couple years ago, but it’s still one of the more austere Clarence de Haut-Brions in some time. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2013]

Robert Parker 94

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. I enjoyed this wine from barrel and just after bottling. Under blind conditions it really shows its quality. It has a very attractive bouquet with notes of blackberry, cigar box, raspberry leaf and a touch of sandalwood – quite complex and nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity. There is real density here, caressing in the mouth but full of vigour and breeding. Long and tender towards the finish, this is a lovely wine. Tasted January 2014. [01/01/2014]