Chateau Larrivet Haut BrionRouge 2016

Very attractive, earthy aromas with an array of herbal and leafy notes, as well as a dark-berry thread and earthy complexity. The palate has great depth and drive with a bright array of juicy red and darker berries. Plush, ripe tannins. Try from 2022.

The Larrivet-Haut-Brion is terrific. Bold, pungent and super-expressive, the 2016 hits the palate with a rush of red fruit, blood orange and white pepper, all of which give the wine its distinctive, lifted aromatics. Persistent and sculpted throughout, the 2016 is wonderfully polished in this vintage. There is plenty of personality and class. The blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Frédéric Massie consult. Tasted two times.

A wonderfully rich, expressive wine that is absolutely full of liquorice, baked vanilla bean, cassis and bilberry notes, with tannins that are taut yet integrated. It’s thrillingly young at this stage but a clear path towards enjoyment is already emerging. This is going to age well and points to a more refined style of Larrivet than some other vintages, without sacrificing any impact. A lovely seductive red Pessac-Léognan, with oak notes that are clear but not uncomfortable; this has been well handled during ageing. 65% was used in grand vin production in this year.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2038

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Larrivet Haut-Brion reveals a beguiling, earthy/truffle-laced nose with notions of crushed rocks, tilled soil, fungi and mossy bark over a core of warm cassis and blackberry compote. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly crafted with soft, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a quiet intensity of savory nuances.