2021 Clarence de Haut-Brion (Pessac-Leognan)

One of the finest second wines in this vintage is the 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered wine evocative of dark berries, plums, pipe tobacco and burning embers. Built around powdery tannins and lively acids, it`s an elegant, seamless cuvee that does bear more than a passing resemblance to the grand vin. 91-93 points

The 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has held on to the more floral, violet-tinged bouquet that puts it in front of the La Chapelle de la Mission at this stage—it’s just a little more enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshier than the La Chapelle with a caressing and delineated finish. It is an excellent Deuxieme Vin that will give 12 to 15 years` drinking pleasure. 91 points

The 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is deep, fleshy and super-expressive. Like all of the wines in this vintage here, the Clarence is on the lighter side, but that is not a bad thing. Primary dark fruit, leather, spice and tobacco fill out the layers nicely. 90-92 points

Bright and vibrant ruby and violet in colour, and even with higher levels of Merlot in the blend this year, this is more structured and subdued than the Chapelle with the character diffrence between the two estates fairly marked. Has a feeling of solidity and depth, with a focus on black fruits and tight tannins, give it a good four or five years before opening. 28% new oak. 91 points