Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion Rouge Pessac Leognon 2012 (375ml)

Description
Bought in 1987 by the Gervoson family (Andros Group), this beautiful terroir of more than 70 hectares, including 11 hectares of whites, took a new step with the arrival of Émilie Gervoson in 2009, eldest daughter and ambassador of the property. , and Bruno Lemoine in 2007. The technical director who worked for Montrose and Lascombes now has the – brilliant – future of this vintage in his hands. What great progress since! And this 2012 confirms once again the sure value of the vintage.

The 72-hectare vineyard of Chateau Larrivet Haut Brion has 61 hectares planted to 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc for the red wine grape varieties. This shows a marked reduction in the Cabernet Sauvignon, an increase in the Merlot, and new plantings of Cabernet Franc in the vines since the mid-1990s.

It is possible that in the moderate future, some Malbec and Petit Verdot could also be added to their vineyards. Larrivet Haut Brion has good neighbors.

Grape Varieties 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot

Rating and reviews

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting, the 2012 Larrivet Haut-Brion displayed a muted, earthy and leathery bouquet that fortunately gained intensity in the glass, the red berry fruit running to catch up with expectations. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well-judged acidity. It feels quite fresh in the mouth and though it might lack some persistence, there is sufficient balance and charm to ensure this will give a decade's worth of drinking pleasure. Drink from 2019-2032.

90 points Decanter
Enjoyable with a hugely attractive smokiness, this is tender and a little tight on the finish but full of fleshed-out fruit flavours. It’s just about ready to drink but remains young with a good number of years ahead of it. Matured in 33% new oak. Drinking Window 2019-2032.

90 points James Suckling
This is an earthy and spicy wine with meat and wet earth character. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a savory finish. Velvety tannins.

90 points Wine Enthusiast
This is firmly structured while still keeping plenty of fruit. Juicy black currants are balanced by some dusty tannins. It’s an attractive, rich and concentrated wine that will develop well and over the medium-term. Drink from 2017.