Decanter (2023) 92 / 100

Liquorice, blackcurrant and chocolate on the nose, smells inviting with soft perfumed touches. Sappy and wonderfully vibrant, really juicy and lively, not so plush although the tannins have shape and texture - velvety and mouth filling this really keeps a fresh and cool blue fruit touch with stoney elements. Light, almost delicate in terms of tannic expression and fruit presentation. Aerial and well balanced. Lovely clarity and poise, well worked and just feels generous and appealing.

JM Quarin (2023) 94 / 100

Couleur rouge pourpre, aux reflets noirs. Beau nez intense, fin, fruité, pur, floral et subtil. Ample à l'attaque, ample au milieu, avec de la puissance et beaucoup de saveurs, le vin évolue long, profond, un tantinet tannique, mais bien couvert.

James Suckling (2023) 94 - 95 / 100

A medium- to full-bodied red with fine and lightly chewy tannins. Lots of dark chocolate, crushed stone and graphite flavors at the end. Subtle.

Jeff Leve (2023) 94 / 100

Cigar box, spice, burning herbs, black plums, and cherries create the nose. The wine is refined, silky and fresh, The fruits are ripe, sweet, lifted and have no problem expressing their essence on the mid-palate, and in the elegant finish, which delivers a plethora of spices and a touch of refreshing mints in the endnote. Enjoy this while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink 2025-2045.

Parker (2023) 91 - 93 / 100

It reveals a bright, fruity bouquet with aromas of dark berries, plums, tobacco, graphite and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, textural and fleshy with structuring tannins and a fresh, tense finish. It is a very nice way to introduce the great wine of Haut-Brion.

RVF (2023) 92 - 94 / 100

Le merlot domine le second vin de Haut-Brion, mais c’est un merlot sans aucune mollesse ni facilité ! L’expression est distinguée, racée, vive et réactive, davantage en élan qu’en épaisseur, avec une suggestion de cuir anglais qui vient embellir le fruit serré, entre prunelle et myrtille. L’expression est remarquablement alignée avec celle du grand vin.

Vinous (A. Galloni) (2023) 92 - 94 / 100

The 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is fabulous. Rich, deep and explosive, La Clarence is everything a second wine should be. In other words, a smaller-scaled version of the original. Sumptuous dark fruit makes a strong opening statement. Complicated notes of gravel, dried herbs, crushed rose petals and blood orange lend gorgeous savory nuance. Impressive.

Vinous (N. Martin) (2023) 91 - 93 / 100

The 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a slightly higher-toned bouquet than the La Chapelle with blueberry, blackberry, iris petal and strawberry pastille aromas. Playful. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline entry and fine-boned tannins. The 2022 is poised and focused with a sophisticated finish. Superb.

Yves Beck (2023) 93 - 94 / 100

Bonne symbiose entre des parfums de myrtilles, de prunes et d’épices douces idéalement soutenue par l’élevage. Le vin a du corps et des tannins bien définis, aux grains fins, qui offrent une excellente assise. Harmonieux, tramé et ciselé, le vin dispose d’une puissance insoupçonnée couplée à la fraîcheur et la tension de la structure acide. Il en résulte un côté énergétique qui donne de la fougue à la finale. Celle-ci est légèrement saline, juteuse et minérale. Un vin prometteur qui affiche de subtiles nuances fruitées en finale. 2028-2040

Appellation	Pessac-Léognan Rouge
Classement	2nd vin
Encépagement	Merlot 45% - Cabernet Sauvignon 44% - Cabernet Franc 10% - Petit Verdot 1%
Sols et sous-sol	Nappe de graves qui repose sur une assise calcaire et constitue une terre riche en fer
Elevage	En barriques neuves à 25% durant 18 à 22 mois