Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2020 is a rich and refined Pessac-Léognan blend showing deep aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, and stone with hints of spice and tobacco. Full-bodied and powerful yet balanced, it delivers velvety tannins, concentrated dark fruit, and a long, elegant finish. A superbly crafted second wine that mirrors the sophistication of Château Haut-Brion.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 96
Published: May 29, 2023

Aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries. Lots of stones, too. Full-bodied and chewy with plenty of crushed cement. Chewy finish. Medium at the end. Drink after 2027.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Apr 6, 2023
Drink: 2025-2045

The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion exhibits attractive aromas of dark berries, rose petals, cigar wrapper and burning embers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate that's rich, seamless and enveloping, with an open, expressive profile and a long, subtly kirsch-inflected finish.

Decanter | D 92
Published: May 1, 2021
Drink: 2023-2036

Concentrated, with impact and punch. It has presence and barely takes a beat through the mid palate, as there is such a wall of blackberry and bilberry fruits. A brambly hedgerow feel, hard to argue with - but be aware that there is heat also; and this is a hedonistic wine. Harvest from 7th to 29th September.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 15.20%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 6.7% Cabernet Franc 31.7% Cabernet Sauvignon 60.1% Merlot

Haut-brion.com

Very close in elegance and style to Château Haut-Brion, this second wine is an excellent introduction to the red wines of Domaine Clarence Dillon. Formerly named Château Bahans Haut-Brion from the first vintages of the 20th century, this second wine was renamed Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, from the 2007 vintage, in homage to Clarence Dillon, who acquired the property in 1935.

2020 Tasting notes
Very beautiful, intense purple color.
Very beautiful, ripe nose of cherry and blackcurrant. Fresh red fruits.
Very elegant, spicy woody notes.
The attack on the palate is tight and flavorful, then the wine advances, dense, powerful, but never dry. The tannins are tight and coated.
Beautiful length on the palate, fruity and pleasant.
Superb Clarence, flawless and very balanced.

The climate
The 2019/2020 winter was mild and wet. Vegetation started very early (it was the earliest year since 1989). In spring, regular rainfall was favorable to mildew, so we redoubled our attention. Flowering, very early, proceeded normally. From mid-June until mid-August, an exceptionally hot and dry period set in, during which we noted three heatwaves. As a result, we reduced our interventions, particularly leaf thinning, to preserve the integrity of the bunches and aromatic freshness. From August 11, regular rains allowed the grapes to perfect their ripeness. The white harvest was early and took place in very good conditions. Temperatures were above seasonal norms, perfect for completing the ripening of all the red grape varieties, which were brought into our vats and in very good sanitary conditions.