More powerful than La Chapelle this year. 57% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc. Excellent tannin structure and very good quality fruit of great length. Beautiful bright reflection of violet edging. One that is set to develop slowly. 91 points

58.2% Merlot, 9.7% Cabernet Franc, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.6% Petit Verdot. Harvested between 6 September and 2 October. Deepest crimson, not as opaque as so many this year. Delicate dark-fruit fragrance. Dark-red juicy fruit on the palate, intense but light on its feet. So juicy and moreish yet persistent, long. Concentrated without heaviness. 17 points

The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a blend of 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit-Verdot, harvested September 6 to October 2. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a very serious nose of earthy layers—tilled soil, truffles, underbrush and crushed rocks—giving way to notions of Black Forest cake, kirsch and redcurrant jelly with wafts of cassis and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the palate is sparked with fantastic energy, featuring layers of red and black fruits with a smooth, rounded texture and lively minty kick to the finish. 92-94 points

The second wine of Haut-Brion is a blend of 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit Verdot, picked between September 6th and October 2nd. The nose is all fragrant red plum skins and pencil shavings, laced with notes of cinnamon and limestone dust. There follows a silky, plump and textural palate, with a fine breadth and charming substance, along with a very tight grip of velvety tannins, and vigorously fresh acidity. The little scents of rose garden provide some appealing lift, and there is a lovely energy to it. This should develop well given a few years. A good second wine. 90-92 points

The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft and understated. Bright fl oral notes, sweet red berry fruit and soft, silky tannins give the wine its gracious, classy personality. The 2018 offers lovely freshness in a soft, fruity style that holds quite a bit of near-term appeal. The blend is 58.2% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.7% Cabernet Franc and 3.6% Petit Verdot.