Pronounced nose lead by the smells of Cabernet. A touch of black currant leafiness, in the prettiest way. Just opened and super smooth and supple on the palate. Languid, serene, gorgeous.
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Medium nose intensity with notes of black current, black fruits, cassis, vanilla, spices, vanilla. Medium+ acidity and high tannin. On the palate, the tannin is rather subdued probably due to the merlot blend. Already drinking well and 2-3 hours of decanting will make the wine more approachable.
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Like many other 2012s, the Clarence HB is already open and singing. This is not the most complex wine but it has a good precision and very good balance. It is driven by the Merlot with a beautiful softness and fresh red fruit. This pure, fresh fruit, the freshness overall is the highlight. Easily 92/93 points.
TN: Medium intensive nose displaying red fruit and minerality. Medium+ expressive palate with fresh strawberries and raspberries as well as some red currant. In addition a layer of minerality and hints of smoke. Not overly complex but well defined. Smooth tannins, good, well-integrated acidity, fresh and light with a medium- length.
Decanting: A short 30 minutes decant should do the job.
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A scary good Bordeaux. Based on the ratings I was expecting a pretty mediocre wine, but it was nothing short of great. Pure ripe Cabernet fruit in the form of cassis, cedar and cigar tobacco, great Merlot with plush textures and flavors of earth, chocolate and plums, expensive chocolatey and smoky oak and warm pebbles from "the terroir". Absolutely round in the mouth, great balance and most importantly a splendid combination of ripeness and freshness. Very close to it's peak according to my taste, as it delivers primary (fresh fruit), secondary (oak influence) and tertiary (tobacco/leather) nuances in a very full package. On the down side, the wine lacks a bit of depth and finish to catapult it into the 96-98 point range.
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9/30/2023 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Pronounced nose lead by the smells of Cabernet. A touch of black currant leafiness, in the prettiest way. Just opened and super smooth and supple on the palate. Languid, serene, gorgeous.
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9/4/2021 - Sean Tay wrote: 93 Points
Medium nose intensity with notes of black current, black fruits, cassis, vanilla, spices, vanilla. Medium+ acidity and high tannin. On the palate, the tannin is rather subdued probably due to the merlot blend. Already drinking well and 2-3 hours of decanting will make the wine more approachable.
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9/22/2020 - Cailles wrote: 93 Points
Like many other 2012s, the Clarence HB is already open and singing. This is not the most complex wine but it has a good precision and very good balance. It is driven by the Merlot with a beautiful softness and fresh red fruit. This pure, fresh fruit, the freshness overall is the highlight. Easily 92/93 points.
TN: Medium intensive nose displaying red fruit and minerality. Medium+ expressive palate with fresh strawberries and raspberries as well as some red currant. In addition a layer of minerality and hints of smoke. Not overly complex but well defined. Smooth tannins, good, well-integrated acidity, fresh and light with a medium- length.
Decanting: A short 30 minutes decant should do the job.
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5/10/2019 - IvanLi Likes this wine: 95 Points
A scary good Bordeaux. Based on the ratings I was expecting a pretty mediocre wine, but it was nothing short of great.
Pure ripe Cabernet fruit in the form of cassis, cedar and cigar tobacco, great Merlot with plush textures and flavors of earth, chocolate and plums, expensive chocolatey and smoky oak and warm pebbles from "the terroir".
Absolutely round in the mouth, great balance and most importantly a splendid combination of ripeness and freshness.
Very close to it's peak according to my taste, as it delivers primary (fresh fruit), secondary (oak influence) and tertiary (tobacco/leather) nuances in a very full package.
On the down side, the wine lacks a bit of depth and finish to catapult it into the 96-98 point range.
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9/4/2018 - Kwlharvey wrote:
Refreshing. Need 1 hour decanting. Fine tannic, Medium palate. I liked
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