2023 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

A wine of stature and pure breeding, the 2023 Larrivet Haut-Brion is superb. Its vertical energy is compelling right out of the gate. Dark red-toned fruit, gravel, incense, licorice, spice, rose petal and tobacco build effortlessly in a deep, layered Pessac-Léognan that hits all the right notes. The blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot, done with a touch of stem inclusion and aged in 92% French oak and 8% amphora. Superb. Tasted three times.

The cabernet comes through in this, with medium body, fine tannins and cassis, currant bush and rose petal notes. Smooth finish.

The 2023 Larrivet Haut-Brion bursts with aromas of cassis, coniferous forest, mulberries, orange zest and iris, followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered palate with bright acids and a succulent core of fruit framed by powdery tannins. This year, Bruno Lemoine and his team employed whole-bunch fermentation for their Cabernet Franc, yielding excellent results. This charming, well-executed Pessac-Léognan is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Merlot (notably reduced due to mildew).