Château Larrivet Haut-Brion - Pessac-Léognan rouge 2022

Located in the heart of Léognan, this beautiful 75-hectare estate was purchased in 1987 by Philippe Gervoson, who also heads the Andros company. It produces modern-style wines, with full-bodied, appealing reds, while the white has gained significantly in body and precision. The arrival of Bruno Lemoine as general manager in 2007—the winemaker behind the famous 1990 Montrose (among others)—has allowed the estate to assert even more of its own personality. The reds are undeniably charming yet not without elegance, and have great aging potential. The whites, somewhat in the same vein, are very exuberant aromatically, powerful, and endowed with incredible personality. A sure bet within the appellation.

This estate, owned by the Gervoson family (Andros Group), consistently produces pleasant and approachable wines distinguished by their aromatic exuberance. Situated on a beautiful terroir in the hills above Léognan, not far from Haut-Bailly and La Louvière, the estate also benefits from modern winemaking facilities, including a brand-new concrete fermentation tank. Bruno Lemoine, director since 2007, and François Gaudichon, cellar master since 2015, bring an added level of precision to the wines’ stylistic expression.

Magnificent aromas of blackberries, flowers, stinging nettles, and crushed stone carry over to the palate, offering medium body, firm yet supple tannins, and a long, crisp finish. This wine will benefit from aging for 3 or 4 years to fully develop, but it is already very well-structured. Blend: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Merlot. Whole-cluster fermentation for 5% of the grapes. Best enjoyed after 2029.

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion 2022 is composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Merlot, and was aged for 16 months in oak barrels. Its intense ruby-purple color gives way to an elegant, medium- to full-bodied wine with subtle aromas of red, blue, and black fruits; an airy floral bouquet of incense, smoked tobacco, and blood orange; fine, silky tannins; and a remarkable finish. This is a beautifully crafted wine that, while already approachable, should age wonderfully for two decades. 2025–2045

A rich, indulgent nose with notes of ripe red plums and a hint of flowers. A nicely tart structure adds liveliness and energy, supported by crisp red berries. The finish is clean, long, and satisfying. 2028–2048

Larrivet Haut-Brion is grown on sandy and gravelly soils and aged in 50% new barrels, 35% one-use barrels, and 5% terracotta jars. The bouquet blends fruity notes, mild spices, and a hint of garrigue that highlights the wine’s freshness. On the palate, the wine shines with its ability to showcase its finesse and elegance. And rightly so—since it lacks the bulk to make a bold statement, it focuses on the space dedicated to its subtlety and finesse. The tannins provide structure and are paired with a refreshing, mouth-watering tension. A savory wine that can certainly be enjoyed young, but it has the substance needed to age well. 2027–2047

Deep red with black highlights. A very aromatic nose, with lovely notes of black fruit. The smoky note typical of Pessac-Léognan has never been so pronounced. Full-bodied on the attack, juicy on the mid-palate, very fragrant, and rich; the wine develops with fullness and nobility, revealing a quality of tannins never seen before, along with an unparalleled sensation of juicy pulp. Bravo! The current team has revolutionized the expression of this wine. Never since the most recent vintages has Larrivet Haut-Brion been so refined.