Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2009

95 points James Suckling: "What a nose. You see the chocolate, orange peel, sweet tobacco. Goes to milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and round tannin structure. Creamy texture. Like the great 1995. Sweet and beautiful. Try in 2016. (4/9/12)"

93 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep ruby garnet in colour with purple reflections and a discreet rim brightening. Delicate floral nuances of blackberries and black cherries, along with a hint of tobacco and a dark minerality on the nose. The palate is spicy, with ripe cherry and plums in the background behind some somewhat grippy tannins. A dark chocolate touch to the mineral-fresh finish. Has development potential, but is already gluggable. (2/13/20)"

92 points Robert Parker: "The second wine, the 2009 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, is almost as large a cuvee as the grand vin. This 7,000-case cuvee is a blend of 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest small quantities of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Once again the burning ember/scorched earth characteristic that often comes from Haut-Brion is found in the second wine, along with more kirsch and cassis, fewer nuances and less complexity than its bigger sibling. The wine is full-bodied with the minerality offered by this terroir as well as plenty of sweet tannins. This is the finest second wine Haut-Brion has produced since the astonishing 1989 Bahans-Haut-Brion. Enjoy it over the next two decades. Drink: 2012-2032. (12/22/11)"

92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2009 Clarence de Haut-Brion has a refined and elegant bouquet with pure red fruit, undergrowth, clove and leather, perhaps just a little brettanomyces becoming more obvious with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, rounded in texture with truffle and leather infused red fruit. There is fine grip on the finish and it should continue to age extremely well in bottle. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Drink: 2022-2038. (Mar 2019)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "This delivers the textbook profile of the appellation and vintage, with dense but mouthwatering tar, cassis, blackberry, bay leaf and dark cocoa notes all melded together and driving through the grippy finish. Approachable, but better with some time. Best from 2013 through 2023. (5/31/12)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The second wine of Haut-Brion, the 2009 Le Clarence Haut Brion checks in as 46% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Offering a classic bouquet of blackcurrants, scorched earth, roasted herbs and earthy, gravely nuances, this beauty is broad, expansive and full-bodied on the palate, with ample depth, density, and structure. There’s no harm drinking bottles today, yet it has two decades of longevity ahead of it as well. Drink: 2017-2037. (12/12/17)"