The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is a Bordeaux blend from the Pessac Leognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Le Clarence de Haut Brion, showcases a sophisticated composition primarily of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

James Suckling gives this vintage a stellar review with a score of 97, describing it as “refined” and “silky” with flavors of currant, chocolate, and walnut. He notes its “very fine tannins and a polished, refined finish,” suggesting it will be even better after 2025. Meanwhile, Wine Spectator's review highlights the wine’s “ripe and rich” nature while maintaining an “elegant” style. The review acknowledges its “steeped plum, warmed cassis, and mulled black cherry fruit” with hints of sweet tobacco and black tea, scoring it 94.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Decanter both score this wine at 92. Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Wine Advocate describes the wine as “deep garnet-purple colored” with notes of “black cherry compote, baked plums, and blackberry pie.” She praises its “impressive freshness” and “finely grained tannins.” Similarly, Decanter commends its structure and depth, noting it has a “clear link to the grand vin.”

Jeff Leve and Jeb Dunnuck both provide strong reviews with scores of 93. Leve mentions its resemblance to the grand vin, describing it as “elegant and forward” with “sweet, ripe, earthy fruits.” Dunnuck points out its “ripe blackcurrants, cassis, damp earth, tobacco leaf, and violets,” suggesting it will improve with bottle age and evolve over 20 years or more.

Overall, the 2018 Le Clarence de Haut Brion is a refined and complex Bordeaux blend that promises to age well, with excellent reviews highlighting its polished structure and rich, nuanced flavors.