Reviews & Ratings

2009 Chateau Haut Brion French - Bordeaux "Le Clarence de Haut Brion"

Winery: Chateau Haut Brion

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Le Clarence de Haut Brion"

Wine Category: French - Bordeaux

Grape blend: 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Pessac Leognan

State or country: France

Price: $150

Cases produced: 6,665

KWG Score: 92.7 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (95.5)

Review date: August 26, 2025

Wine Review: We recently conducted a retrospective tasting of older very high-end Bordeaux offerings. Some wines are destined to improve with age, and it turns out his second label offering from Château Haut Brion has done that. It has some really good flavors after 16 years! It is clear and dark ruby colored with a black currant and black raspberry bouquet. I also detected some hints of red licorice. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, concentrated, and dense. The flavor profile is a graphite and stewed black plum blend with notes of oak and black pepper. I also detected hints of green tea. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and fine tannins drift away nicely. I would pair this impressive Bordeaux with veal medallions. Enjoy – Ken (Tasted on 8/23/25)

Winemaker Notes: The first thing one notices about this wine is its understated nose. However, each time it is swirled in the glass, it releases a new series of aromas making for an altogether interesting and complex bouquet. Although it seems somewhat austere on the palate at first, with a very tight tannic texture, this wine opens up beautifully with aeration. 2009 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion may one day rival the legendary 1989 Château Bahans Haut-Brion.

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