This wine is a deep, purplish-red in the glass, with brilliant highlights. Initially slightly reserved on the nose, it developed fascinating complexity on aeration. Fresh red-berry fruit was accented by hints of spicier aromas, such as cocoa. The initial impression was very soft and soothing on the palate, but the tannic structure gradually affirmed its presence, combining firmness with great finesse. This wine confirmed our assessment from recent vintages that Le Clarence de Haut-Brion can certainly be considered a great wine.