Larrivet Haut-Brion 2022 en Primeur

Nicely aromatic on the nose, fresh black fruits and perfumed elements. Really juicy and supple with bite to the blue fruits and a grape skin texture that is nicely filling and not harsh or austere. Acidity is there but cool and fresh so you get a liveliness but it's controlled and not sharp. A complete wine with lots going on. Beautiful depth and persistence, I like the mouthfilling nature with energy and focus. Clean and precise, characterful and supremely enjoyable. Harvest 19 September - 10 October. Ageing 14-16 months. 80% barrels, 20% large barrels. Derenoncourt consultants.

I loved the 2022 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this check in near the 2020, although it's in a riper, more sexy style. Cassis, plums, chocolate, and earthy notes all emerge from this full-bodied Graves that has an expansive, layered mouthfeel, ripe, velvety tannins, and solid mid-palate density. It's going to benefit from just a few years of bottle age. The blend is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Merlot, resting in 50% new oak, with a small amount in amphora.

Broad and structured, but supple and sleek, with fine-grained tannins. Medium- to full-bodied. Hints of coffee beans and cedar. Solid finish. Bright.

The 2022 Larrivet Haut-Brion offers up aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry, violet, orange zest, iris and ripe plums, followed by a medium to full-bodied palate that's supple, seamless and elegant, its succulent core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a floral finish. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc—the most significant portion of this grape variety ever used at this estate run by Bruno Lemoine—this is one of the most interesting wines that this estate has produced in recent years. It matured in 15% amphorae, 50% new barrels and the balance in tanks.