The 2017 Larrivet Haut-Brion, picked 13 to 28 September with 13.6° alcohol, has a more intense bouquet than its peers with blackberry, wild strawberry and pencil lead. The palate is medium bodied and feels strict and linear in the mouth, almost Pauillac in style. There is plenty of freshness in situ although it feels serious and just needs more fruité towards the finish. I appreciate the style of this Larrivet that may turn out to be one of the more cerebral wines from the appellation, though it is not necessarily one of its most exciting. 90-92 points

Firm, defined fruits and coffee notes are joined by lovely grippy tannins with a sense of bounce. This is slightly drying on the finish, but overall it has good depth and weight. Successful. 90 points

Deep crimson with smudgy rim. Lifted, lightly leafy cassis on the nose. Lots of pencil lead. On the palate, the tannins dominate, dry but quite thick. Fresh and creamy on the finish but lacking some freshness. 16 points

Deep garnet-purple, the 2017 Larrivet Haut-Brion opens with notes of mocha and damp soil over a core of crushed black cherries and fresh black plums plus a hint of raspberry leaves. Medium-bodied, firm and with a good core of earth-laced black fruits, it finishes a little chewy but with plenty of layered fruit length. 89-91 points