Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc 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 mild and very wet winter. In the spring, the pressure of mildew was at its peak, it took constant vigilance and the total involvement of our technical teams to keep a healthy vineyard. After the frost that hit us hard at the end of April 2017, the hail hit us at the end of May 2018, seriously damaging part of the vineyard. Then, the sun and the drought finally arrived: dream weather! The vine took full advantage of these warm and dry weather conditions - good weather throughout the harvest from September 3rd to 10th. 

The 2018 vintage is a blend of two grape varieties composed of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. This vintage is notable for its beautiful straw gold color, which is clear and brilliant. The first nose is intense, marked by notes of yellow fruits and sweet spices. As it evolves, it becomes more complex, with notes of citrus fruits, acacia honey, bergamot, and lime blossoms. The mouth has a broad attack but without any heaviness. The mid-palate is powerful with fruity and pastry notes. The finish is mineral and acidulous with a pleasant hint of lemon mint. 

"The Larrivet Haut-Brion 2018 Blanc sashays out of the glass with seductive tropical notes of lychees, mango and passion fruit plus hints of rose hip tea and crushed rocks with a waft of ginger. Medium to full-bodied, rich and oily in the mouth, it has a lovely line of freshness to lift the exotic fruits to a long finish." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (4/23/2019, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Ratings: 91-93