- “Captures all of the gravitas of the grand vin,” says Antonio Galloni.
- The wine has been released internationally at £1,440 (12×75).
- The 2010 vintage offers very good value for money.
The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has been released for €120 per bottle ex-négociant, up 25% on the 2019 release.
The wine is being offered by the international trade for £1,440 per 12×75, 25.2% more than the current Market Price of the 2019.
The 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 vintages all carry the same Benchmark Critic score and offer good value for money.
Critical opinion
The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion received 91-93 points from both Vinous critics Neal Martin and Antonio Galloni.
Galloni called it “a jewel of a wine” and said it “captures all of the gravitas of the grand vin, but in a more accessible style”.
Martin observed that it is “quite heady and bold for a second wine (even the second wine of a First Growth!)”. He added that, “there is a lot of density in this Le Clarence and a little more structure than usual, and it suits it well”.
James Suckling awarded it a barrel range of 96-97 and said it was a “top second wine”.
Jane Anson (Decanter) rated it 92-points, while Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) gave it 94-96.
Fair Value
Recent vintages 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015 offer Fair Value, with 92-points from Martin and costing less than today’s release.
The 2010 is another compelling alternative, boasting 94-points from Martin and available for £1,075 per case.
Prices for Haut-Brion’s second wine also show age correlation. The 2008 thus presents another good value option, having spent 12 years in bottle and also carrying 92-points from Martin.
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