The 2009 Larrivet Haut Brion is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac-Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Larrivet Haut Brion, this wine is predominantly composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, aged for 14-18 months in 40% new French oak, and boasts an alcohol content of 14.0%.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 91, describing it as "sensational" with notes of "charcoal, graphite, roasted herbs, truffles, spice box, and luxurious quantities of black currant and black cherry fruit." Parker highlights its full-bodied nature and impressive endowment, calling it "a sleeper of the vintage and well worth buying," with a potential to age well for at least 15 years.
James Suckling gave the 2009 Larrivet Haut Brion an excellent score of 93, praising its "lots of juicy fruit with animal and sous bois character. Decadent. Full and velvety." He notes that the wine "goes on for a long time" and is "wild and delicious," making it hard to resist.
Cory Gowan from JJ Buckley also rated the wine 93, noting its "dark ruby color" and "aromas of barnyard and blue fruits." The palate is described as "very dense and opulent," featuring "loads of blue fruit and aromas of spice box and vanilla." Gowan suggests consuming this wine between 2014 and 2021.
Wine Spectator gave the wine another strong review, scoring it 91. The publication describes it as "broad and mouthfilling," with flavors of "linzer torte, blackberry preserves, and mulled fig notes laced with black tea, bittersweet cocoa, and anise accents." The finish is "long and fleshy," with a "mouthwatering peppery hint." Wine Spectator recommends drinking it now through 2018.
Jeb Dunnuck provided a glowing review with a score of 93, calling it a "smoking good Pessac-Léognan." He advises that the wine requires about an hour of air to show its best qualities, offering a "classic Graves bouquet of meaty black fruits, green tobacco, barbecue smoke, and cedar." Dunnuck highlights its "sexy, layered texture, good acidity, and a great finish," suggesting it can be enjoyed over the next 15-20 years or more.
In summary, the 2009 Larrivet Haut Brion is a well-regarded Bordeaux Blend, praised for its rich complexity, layered textures, and aging potential. With multiple reviews scoring it in the low 90s, it stands out as a noteworthy choice for wine enthusiasts.