Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is located a mere 15km south-east of Bordeaux and has been consistently impressive since its excellent 1996. General manager, Philippe Gervoson, has enlisted the help of the legendary oenologist Michel Rolland who has implemented radical changes such as hand-picking the grapes as late as possible to ensure maximum ripeness.

Michel Rolland’s great skill is to help make wines that are true representations of their commune, and these are fine examples.

Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion may be one of the best-known unclassified wineries in Pessac Leognan and his constantly gaining recognition on its wines and has engaged rigorously towards this journey in Excellence.

Soil – Deep gravel with a clay texture Area of vines: 61 ha in red. Plantation density: 7 700 plants per hectare

Average age of vines – 30 years

Blend – 33 % merlot, 62 % cabernet sauvignon & 5% cabernet franc

Vinification – Plot by plot in small, temperature-controlled concrete vats using gravity-flow for filling. De-stemming without crushing, regular punching down of the cap of skins and long macerations (4 to 5 weeks) Ageing: In an air-conditioned barrel cellar. Traditional rackings.

Ageing – One third aged in new French oak barrels, one third in second-fill and one third in third-fill barrels for 14 to 18 months.

“Very beautiful deep garnet-red colour with a complex, charming bouquet featuring roasted and toasty aromas as well as hints of black fruit and vanilla.. Elegant, concentrated, powerful, and well-balanced on the palate. Long aftertaste with remarkably smooth tannin. A great wine with fine ageing potential that will richly reward patience…”

Ruby color with purplish reflections. The nose expresses black ripe fruits grown more complex by smoky and licorice notes. The palate is long and meaty, with no hollowness. The tannins are silky. Great wine, perfectly balanced.

James Suckling – 94 Points

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.

Robert Parker – 92 points

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.

Wine Enthusiast – 92-94 points

With tannins that are ripe and velvety, this is already a generous wine. At the same time, it has a line of acidity that keeps it crisp and brings out the black currant fruitiness. Put the two elements together and the wine will be on top form after 2027

Wine Spectator – 90-93 points

Lively cassis and damson plum fruit gives this a fresh feel, while light sanguine and singed alder notes add contrast through the finish