2022 La Clarté de Haut-Brion, Graves, Bordeaux

53.7% Sauvignon Blanc, 46.3% Sémillon. Cask sample.

Slightly grassy edge but juicy and pleasing. Good mid-palate fruit and a point of freshness. More for early drinking.

Drink 2024 - 2030

The 2022 La Clarté de Haut-Brion has a fresh bouquet with gooseberry, wild peach and light honeysuckle scents. The palate is well-balanced, with good depth and fine acidity. This is waxy in texture with a twist of sour lemon on the finish. Fine.

Drink 2025 - 2036

The 2022 La Clarté de Haut Brion is wonderfully open-knit and inviting. Lemon confit, passionfruit, mint and a hint of tangerine oil all grace this sensual, engaging second white wine from Haut Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion.

Drink 2025 - 2030

Apricot pit, pineapple, lemongrass, and dried apricots have the richness of the vintage but are well balanced with sage and white pepper notes, adding a touch of juice. Jean-Philippe Delmas’ grandfather began managing the chateau in 1923, so 2022 marks 100 years of the Delmas family at Haut-Brion just a few years longer than the Dillons). 38% new oak.

Drink 2023 - 2027

A blend of 53.7% Sauvignon Blanc and 46.3% Sémillon, the 2022 La Clarté de Haut-Brion has a delicate yet lively bouquet intermingling aromas of lemon, lime tree, perfectly ripe pear and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and energetic, it’s a fresh, perfectly balanced wine with a delicate, fruity and slightly tannic finish.

Strong aromatics; crisp green apple, grass, elderflower and ripe gooseberries. Rich and intense on the palate, an appealing weight and texture, round and filling, almost waxy and oily but kept in check by salty, creamy lemon, vanilla, peach and apricot fruit. 

Nicely balanced, not too sharp or acidic, more calm and controlled but still giving texture and nuance. You still get shots of citrus, which lift the palate, and I really like the cool creamy texture. Airy and appealing. For the vintage, it’s very good and super easy to drink! 3.3pH.

Drink 2023 - 2028

The 2022 La Clarté De Haut-Brion Blanc checks in as 53.7% Sauvignon and 46.3% Sémillon. It's a killer second wine that readers will love, offering bright lemon and lime fruits, some floral, chalky mineral nuances, medium to full body, and a focused, vibrant style on the palate that brings plenty of richness while staying refreshing and lively.

Aromas of oyster shell and crushed stone with lemon curd and dried lemon. Full and layered with a chewy, phenolic texture and a long and flavorful finish. Wonderful. 53.7% sauvignon blanc and 46.3% semillon.