Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is less well known for its whites, but they really can be extraordinarily good. Especially, as in the case of La Clarté, when they come from the Clarence Dillon family owned Haut-Brion vineyards. This is an homage to kinship and a nod to shared history. The grapes are sourced from Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, then blended together to create the La Clarté. Made from a blend of Semillon (75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25%), the 2020 has great aging potential with deliciously stone fruit and tropical fruity and floral aromas.
Drink 2023 - 2030+
"It opens with intense notes of fresh pineapple, white peaches and lemon curd with suggestions of honeysuckle, paraffin wax and chalk dust. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers bags of juicy peaches and citrus flavors, accented by tropical fruit opulence and supported with refreshing acidity, finishing with a spicy kick. La Clarté de Haut-Brion is the second wine of both Haut-Brion Blanc and La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, produced from the declassified selections from both estates." 90-92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (May 2021)
"Powerfully rich with excellent weight through the mid palate. Silky in texture, seductive but balanced by an enjoyable touch of green apple and steel through the close of play. Harvest from 19th to 28th August." 93 points, Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)
"Very dense and limpid and immediately offering so much more than the other dry whites from this appellation. Smoky minerality and an amazing floral freshness. White blossom? Then it's surprisingly lightweight on the palate (after that dense nose). This really races along. Sort of like a Victorian child with a hoop, to venture in to Tam territory. Already lots of fun to drink, with low astringency and good fruit/acid balance. Though not especially persistent." 16.5+ points, Jancis Robinson (April 2021)
"Very structured second wine with density and freshness. It’s full-bodied and creamy with a flavorful, lightly chewy palate." 94-95 points, James Suckling (94-95)
"The 2020 La Clarté de Haut-Brion is airy, bright and gracious, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint, sage and green apple are all laced together in this breezy, charming white." 90-92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous