Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of ripe red fruit, rose petals, dried red flowers and eucalyptus. Red and black cherry/raspberry and boysenberry fruit on the palate along with additional notes of chocolate, toffee, savory spices and mint. Well integrated oak on the long and slightly chewy finish. Rustic, well balanced and beautifully aged. Thanks for sharing this one, Ron B! — 5 months ago
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion – 2020
Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
This white Bordeaux is built on the classic backbone of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and (often) a dash of Muscadelle. What makes this cuvée stand out is the use of egg-shaped concrete vats for fermentation and aging — these facilitate a gentle, natural stirring of the lees and preserve freshness without imparting oak character.
Aromas & Flavors
Tropical notes, citrus zest, white blossoms, and a soft mineral streak. The influence of the egg vats gives it a rounded texture without harsh edges.
Mouthfeel
Silky yet crisp — the texture is elegant, clean, and balanced. The finish lingers with refreshing clarity.
Food Pairing
Fantastic with seafood (oysters, scallops), grilled fish, or creamy goat cheese.
Verdict
One of my favorite Pessac-Léognan whites — this expression marries Bordeaux structure with modern winemaking finesse. Great value and beautifully made. Cheers!
📌 Did You Know?
Egg-shaped concrete vats create a “micro-vortex” during fermentation, gently stirring the wine and keeping lees suspended. That subtle movement adds texture and complexity without the overt influence of oak — a technique growing in popularity among modern Bordeaux blancs. — 2 months ago
I expected stronger aromas and deeper flavors — 7 months ago
Really enjoying! And I don’t love rose wines. Light and easy drinking. — 8 months ago
Juan c sulaiman — 2 months ago
A little citrus. A little soft sweetness of unripe stone fruit. A tad bitter grass and olive oil. Very nice. — 5 months ago
Very peculiar spectrum of aromas. Freshly cutted pineapple and pear. White peach and grapefruit. Very nice and long finish.
A bit flex on the mid palate but lingering pleasant finish — 7 months ago
jason carey DipWSET
I bought this for 40 dollars in Paris in 2004. It has survived 2 cross country moves since then. I was worried it would be dead or over the hill. The cork was crumbly. But the wine was incredibly wonderful. I have been meaning to drink this for 10 years but kept delaying. Still lots of primary fruits along with the forest and other 2ndary flavors. This is why Burgundy can be so entoxicating to people. It so often disappoints, but not this time. Too bad wines like this are now so far beyond my means or desire to pay. — 2 days ago