Clarence de Haut Brion 2014

The 2014 Clarence Haut-Brion has a tad more opulence on the nose than its peers: brambly red fruit, white pepper, tobacco and just a touch of antique wood varnish. Fairly complex - this keeps the nose in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, predominantly red fruit laced with peppercorns and bay leaf, gaining weight toward the finish. It's persistent on the finish, better than expected and worth hunting down. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.