66% cabernet sauvignon and 34% merlot grapes were harvested between September 12th and 26th. 48% of the harvest was selected for the grand vin. Larrivet-Haut-Brion uses soil surveys to enable better management of individual plots that are spread out over 70+ hectares. The estate also uses optical sorters that are increasingly common in Bordeaux. A dark inky red this has aromas of ripe sweet red fruits and tangy black cherry leading to flavors of red cherry and cassis. Soft and pure on entry this also has some of that signature crunchy Graves gravel flavor. There is a lot going on here and it needs time to come together. Tasted twice. Enjoy 2017-2025.

A sexy, open-knit 2011, Larrivet Haut-Brion exhibits lots of cherry, cassis and smoky, spicy notes as well as a meaty, seductive style with excellent texture, medium to full body and no hard edges. Performing well already, this fleshy effort will be even better in 3-4 years, and will last for 15-20. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.