Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2016

Since its creation, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion has continually improved, gaining a steady and strong reputation. 

Château Larrivet Haut Brion, originally known as “Château de Canolle” and later “La Rivette”, was established in the 1800s. In 1874, the estate was renamed “Château Haut-Brion Larrivet” by its new owner, Ernest Laurent. By 1893, the Bordeaux shipowner MM Les Fils de Theodor Conseil acquired the château, expanding the estate to over 50 hectares. In 1929, the property finally found its name, Larrivet Haut-Brion, by its new owner, Monsieur Guillemaud. Today, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is owned and managed by the Gervoson family, who took over the property in 1987. This family is also known for producing the popular Bonne Maman jams and jellies.  

Located in Bordeaux, on the Left Bank in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the vineyard is near Château Haut Bailly, Château La Louvière, and Château Smith Haut Lafitte. The vineyard terroir consists of gravel and sandy soils is divided into five blocks, and four of those blocks are used for the Grand Vin. Thanks to the acquisition of new vines, the estate now spans 72,5 hectares, with 61 hectares dedicated to red vines and 11,5 hectares to white vines. The red wine varieties consist of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, while the white varieties include 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The red vines average 30 years of age, and the white vines are 25. Depending on the vintage, some Malbec and Petit Verdot could be added. 

The Larrivet Haut-Brion team is passionate about their wine. They ensure meticulous care from vine to harvest to produce perfectly ripe, healthy grapes. 

The 2016 vintage was marked by a very rainy winter and spring, which helped recharge the water tables, and by a hot, dry summer with relatively cool nights. Harvesting took place from September 27 to October 20 under sunny, rain-free conditions, allowing the Cabernets to ripen perfectly until the end of October. The 2016 vintage is typical of classic Bordeaux: concentrated, colorful, aromatic and perfectly balanced. 

The 2016 vintage is a blend of three grape varieties, composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. This vintage is notable for its dark, ruby color with purple highlights. The nose opens with bright, precise fruit. It continues with smoky, spicy notes, notably caraway and aniseed, and tobacco notes characteristic of the great Cabernets of the Pessac-Léognan terroir. The impression remains fresh. The tannins are powerful and beautifully grained. The palate is dense and long. The 2016 vintage is elegant, refined, fresh and pure.

"The 2016 Larrivet Haut Brion has a generous bouquet with red cherries, crushed strawberry, cigar box and light smoky scents that seem very seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin. The new oak here seems a little ponderous and slightly occludes both the fruit and terroir expression, therefore drying out the finish and leaving a mouth-puckering effect. Hopefully this will gain more balance during its barrel maturation, and gain more cohesion and detail on the finish. At the moment, I would favor the excellent 2015 Larrivet Haut Brion. Tasted three times with consistent notes." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (4/28/2017, Issue 230), Ratings: 89-91, Drink: 2022-2035