BOOM!

Aaaand we begin. Properly with an HAUT-BRION. It may be their second wine, but it’s second to none.

Cause if you were looking at the Grand Vin from the mythical 2015 vintage, it’s already joined the other First Growths up in the stratosphere.

You savvy Ops know value when you see it and can snag 9 bottles of this one here today for 1 of those.

Cut off the same cloth. Here’s how Wine Advocate defines Le Clarence de Haut-Brion: “Endowed with gorgeous fruit, texture, purity and elegance, this relatively dense second wine demonstrates how draconian the selection process has become for the top estates in Bordeaux in recent years.”

That’s early drinkability with the same ‘Haut-Brion-ness’ that leaves you breathless.

Perfect provenance, just in from Bordeaux. Will not last the hour.

95 Points – James Suckling “Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.”

94 Points – Wine Spectator “Offers a warm, plush, inviting feel, with tar, melted licorice and cocoa notes rolling out first, followed by a swath of warm plum and blackberry reduction flavors. Shows an alluring thread through the finish. Needs a little time to unwind, but there’s lots to like here. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2035.”

93+ Points – Wine Advocate “This is a seriously impressive vintage for this second label of Chateau Haut-Brion. Blended of 57% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries, warm plums, dusty soil and spice cake with touches of dried roses and cigar boxes. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful concentration and depth, it features firm, beautifully rounded tannins and lively acid, finishing long and earthy. Drink 2020-2039.”

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast “This is dense and concentrated, reflecting the character of Haut-Brion itself. It has weight, firm tannins and power alongside juicy black fruits and acidity that will give great pleasure as they develop. Drink from 2023.”