Peter Maude Fine Wines

2019, La Clarté de Haut Brion, PESSAC-LEOGNAN

$172

Bordeaux Blend: Sémillon, Sauvignon.

The 2019 La Clarté de Haut-Brion is a little more opaque on the nose compared to the La Chapelle de la Mission, although it delivers some lovely brambly red fruit mixed with black truffle and Japanese nori scents. The fresh, lightly spiced palate is medium-bodied with a sappy opening and good grip. There are touches of Seville orange marmalade and allspice on the powerful finish. Give this 3-4 years in bottle. 89+ Neal Martin, Vinous (2021).

The 2019 La Clarté de Haut-Brion is every bit as compelling as it was last year. Today, as back then, what stands out most is the interplay of rich fruit and energy. Orchard fruit, lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper all grace this super-expressive, racy white. La Clarté is obviously not as complex as its two siblings, the Blancs from Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, but it is absolutely exquisite. 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2022).

Wonderfully juicy frame. This feels subtle at first, but the aromatics blossom quickly and in fact there is a real fist of white pepper and juicy stone fruits. Builds with care and attention, and the slate texture increases through the palate. First time in history they picked the Sémillon before Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest 29 August to September 9. Yields were 60hl/ha, after 45hl/ha last year, so extremely plentiful. 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (2020).

Varietal aromas on the nose, gooseberry, grass, lemon peel and green apple. Lovely profile here, this is smooth but viscous not as acidic as I was expecting more on the voluptuous side with an appealing weight and texture. A ripe, full style with lifted peach, ripe pear and green apple flavours. I like the density with a touch of lemon sherbet around the edges giving definition and lift. 93 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2022).

With aromas of confit citrus fruit, peaches, grapefruit and pastry cream, the 2019 La Clarté de Haut-Brion is full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a satiny attack that segues into an ample core of fruit underpinned by lively acids and chalky structure. A combined second wine for both Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, this has turned out nicely in bottle, delivering a wine that's richer and headier in style than its 2018 predecessor. 91 William Kelley, Wine Advocate (2022).

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.The estimated label alcohol degree is 13.5%. The 2019 La Clarté de Haut-Brion needs just a little swirling and coaxing to begin to shake loose lovely scents of Golden Delicious apple, ripe peaches and lemongrass with nuances of allspice, white pepper and shaved almonds. The medium-bodied palate offers a great intensity of spiced stone fruit flavours along with a satiny texture and seamless freshness, finishing savoury. 90-92 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (2020).

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2038

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