(JS 94-95 points) A medium- to full-bodied red with fine and lightly chewy tannins. Lots of dark chocolate, crushed stone and graphite flavors at the end. Subtle. 62.1% merlot, 21.9% cabernet sauvignon, 14.5% cabernet franc and 1.5% petit verdot.

(93-95 points) Cigar box, spice, burning herbs, black plums, and cherries create the nose. The wine is refined, silky and fresh, The fruits are ripe, sweet, lifted and have no problem expressing their essence on the mid-palate, and in the elegant finish, which delivers a plethora of spices and a touch of refreshing mints in the endnote. Enjoy this while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 62% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot. 14.4% ABV, 3.9 pH. Drink 2025-2045. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2022&wine=Le%20Clarence%20de%20Haut-Brion

(VN 92-94 points) The 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is fabulous. Rich, deep and explosive, La Clarence is everything a second wine should be. In other words, a smaller-scaled version of the original. Sumptuous dark fruit makes a strong opening statement. Complicated notes of gravel, dried herbs, crushed rose petals and blood orange lend gorgeous savory nuance. Impressive. -- Antonio Galloni

(WA 91-93+ points) The 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, the second wine of Château Haut-Brion, is elaborated from a blend of 61.2% Merlot, 21.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot. It reveals a bright, fruity bouquet with aromas of dark berries, plums, tobacco, graphite and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, textural and fleshy with structuring tannins and a fresh, tense finish. It is a very nice way to introduce the great wine of Haut-Brion. - Yohan Castaing

(91-93 points) The 2022 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is composed of 62.1% Merlot, 21.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot aging in 20% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to bring out scents of mulberries, plum preserves, and blackberry compote, plus hints of fallen leaves, Sichuan pepper, and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and breezy, delivering crunchy black fruits and rounded tannins, finishing with impressive freshness.

Liquorice, blackcurrant and chocolate on the nose, smells inviting with soft perfumed touches. Sappy and wonderfully vibrant, really juicy and lively, not so plush although the tannins have shape and texture - velvety and mouth filling this really keeps a fresh and cool blue fruit touch with stoney elements. Light, almost delicate in terms of tannic expression and fruit presentation. Aerial and well balanced. Lovely clarity and poise, well worked and just feels generous and appealing. 1.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.9pH.