Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2018

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 2018 vintage was marked by a cool, wet winter followed by a particularly contrasting month of April with hot and cold temperatures. The following months were rainy, but a dry summer ensured ripening of the grapes. Harvesting took place from September 14 to October 10. 

The 2018 vintage is a blend of three grape varieties: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 16% Cabernet Franc. This vintage is notable for its red color and dark, deep, dense appearance. The nose is powerful and intense. It opens with enveloping roasted and caramel notes. On the palate, the attack is full and melting. The wine is silky with typical black berry fruit. Notes of cedar and light salinity add freshness.

"Showing beautifully, the 2018 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion sports a dense purple hue as well as a ripe, concentrated, sweetly fruited style to go with classic Pessac notes of sweet tobacco, blackcurrants, damp earth, chocolate, and charcoal. It has a solid sense of purity and freshness, plenty of ripe, sunny fruit, and classy, seamless tannins, all pointing toward a long drink window. I think it's a step up over the 2016. Enjoy bottles over the coming 20-25 years." - Jeb Dunnuck, (03/16/2021), Ratings : 94

"The 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion has developed into a gorgeous wine. There is plenty of the tannin I saw in my barrel tastings, and yet all the elements are so well balanced today. Iron, cedar, dried herbs, licorice, dried flowers and mint add striking savory undertones to this deceptively mid weight Pessac-Léognan. Larrivet Haut-Brion is one of the most distinctive reds of the vintage." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (03/31/2021), Ratings: 93

"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion offers up notes of baked plums, stewed cherries and warm cassis with hints of wilted roses, bouquet garni and raisin cake. Medium-bodied with a good amount of spicy baked berries flavors, the palate has a clever structure of soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (04/23/2019), Ratings: 91-93