2021, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion PESSAC-LÉOGNAN Grand Vin de Bordeaux

Larrivet Haut-Brion vineyards are situated close to some very good neighbours. They are not far from Chateau Haut Bailly and Chateau La Louviere and they also have vines bordering Smith Haut Lafitte.

This is a good vintage for Larrivet, unfurling slowly in the glass, with layers of dark fruits and edges of floral peony, raspberry leaf, green pepper and touches of savoury cassis. The oak is apparent, but there is good acidity and it will balance out over ageing. An unsusual blend, with no Merlot at all, after frost and poor fruit set, 27hl/h yield overall. One to look out for, and will be interesting in future verticals of the estate. Tasted twice. 92 Jane Anson.

The 2021 Larrivet Haut-Brion delivers rich aromas of dark fruits, cassis, coniferous forest floor, licorice and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate framed by lively acids and powdery tannins. This charming, demonstrative middleweight is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc this year. 90-92 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Dark and beautifully layered, with terrific persistence, Larrivet is going to be a fascinating wine to watch over the coming years. The tannins need to soften, but there is a good deal of potential here. Hints of cedar, licorice and earthiness linger. 92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Slate and stone on the nose with black bramble fruits. Clean and crisp with bite on the palate, just a rush of black liquorice-laced fruits, this has the salinity to the fore, a touch of austerity but on the right side, giving it this serious edge which is so appealing. It's sophisticated and maybe even a little shy at this point but feels well worked with intensity and poise. You're really tasting the terroir in the glass here - one to seek out. 92 Georgina Hindle, Decanter