La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2020

Of the five rarified First Growths estates, only Château Haut-Brion is located outside Médoc. It is located southwest of Bordeaux’s city center. It belongs to the Pessac-Léognan appellation, north of the Graves wine-growing region. Château Haut-Brion is the only wine to be both First Growths from the 1855 classification and Classified Growth of the Graves. 

Château Haut-Brion was first planted in 1553 and is considered the oldest First Growth. The sprawling, ancient vineyards of Château Haut-Brion date back to the 1st century AD, and Roman coins can be found scattered in its heavily graveled vineyards. Haut-Brion was considered a “cru” vineyard as early as the 15th Century. Interestingly enough, Haut-Brion was the subject of the first-ever tasting note from Samuel Pepys, the author of The Diarist, in 1663. He wrote that he, “drank a sort of French wine called Ho Bryen that had a good and most particular taste I never met with.” In 1935, Clarence Dillon acquired the estate and restored it to its former glory and the elite circle of the most legendary wines in the world. This extraordinary, bold, courageous vision is continued by the fourth generation of the family, represented by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Chairman and CEO since 2008. 

This First Growth estate has retained its authenticity throughout the centuries. Château Haut-Brion may lack the fanfare other First Growths have, but many wine lovers have adored it. From Thomas Jefferson (America’s first wine connoisseur) to Queen Elizabeth II, whose cellar stocks this wine, to the well-respected wine critic Robert Parker Jr., this First Growth château continues to retain its authenticity and captivate audiences throughout the ages.

The property stands facing Château La Mission Haut-Brion and shares with it the same gravelly terrace, ideal for cultivating vines already named Haut-Brion on ancient maps and deeds. The nature of the gravel at Chateau Haut-Brion, consisting of small stones of various types of quartz, is a key element contributing to the particularly valuable wine-growing potential of the soil. The gravelly soils lie upon a unique clay, sand, limestone, and shelly sand subsoil. The vineyard stretches across an area of 51 hectares, 48 of which are planted with red grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and 3 hectares are devoted to the white grape varieties such as Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. 

The success of Château Haut Brion’s wines lies in its respect for tradition, values, unique expertise acquired over the centuries, and innovative, modern vision. Through its wines, the estate aims to reveal the quintessence of its exceptional terroirs. The combination of science and the particular terroir allows Château Haut-Brion to produce excellent red and white wines with unmistakable elegance.  

La Clarté de Haut-Brion boasts a legendary and unique kinship: made from grapes grown on the Haut-Brion terroir, it is born of two prestigious estates: Château Haut-Brion and Château La Mission Haut-Brion.

The 2020 vintage was marked by a mild and wet winter. The vine’s growth cycle begins very early (it is the earliest year after 1989). In Spring, constant rainfall encourages mildew to appear, so we are doubly attentive. Flowering is very early too and occurs as usual. From mid-June and until mid-August, an exceptionally hot, dry period sets in, during which we note three periods of heatwave. As a result, we decrease work carried out in the vineyard, especially leaf-thinning, to protect the wholeness of the grape bunches and to preserve aromatic freshness. From 11th August, steady rainfall enables the grape to perfect its ripeness. Harvests of white grapes are early and gathered in very good conditions. Temperatures are above seasonal averages, ideal for completing the ripening of all the red grape varieties, which entered our fermenting rooms in excellent health. Harvesting took place from August 19 to 28.  

La Clarté Haut-Brion 2020 is a blend of 74,8% Semillon and 25,2% Sauvignon. The 2020 vintage presents a beautiful shade of light-yellow. The first nose is powerful and fruity, with lovely aromas of peach and quince. The nose reveals ripeness and is slightly woody, with a toasted scent. The first taste is smooth and full of flavor. The wine develops thanks to its majority of Sémillon (75%), with a rich body on the palate, almost sweet, giving a feel of Southern France. The finish, with some lovely bitter notes, is very refreshing.

Here a short video : Château Haut-Brion 2020 vintage

"Released in a new, clear bottle, the 2020 La Clarte De Haut-Brion Blanc is up-front and vibrant, with juicy grapefruit and lemon curd-like aromatics to go with a medium-bodied, racy, yet balanced, and elegant style on the palate. It's another, fresh, crisp, concentrated white in the vintage with lots to love." - Jeb Dunnuck, (03/30/2023), Ratings: 93

"The 2020 La Clarté de Haut-Brion is showing nicely in bottle, bursting with notions of grapefruit, nectarine, lemongrass and pastry cream. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with a sweet core of fruit and a chalky finish, it will offer demonstrative drinking young." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (04/06/2023), Ratings: 92

"Powerfully rich with excellent weight through the mid palate. Silky in texture, seductive but balanced by an enjoyable touch of green apple and steel through the close of play. Harvest from 19th to 28th August." - Jane Anson, Decanter (05/25/2021), Ratings: 92