The 2020 Larrivet Haut-Brion is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the Pessac-Léognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This wine has garnered impressive reviews across the board, showcasing its quality and potential for aging. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it presents a medium to full-bodied profile that resonates with both complexity and elegance.
Jeb Dunnuck notes that this vintage is “up with the finest vintages” from the estate, awarding it a high score of 95. He describes it as "gorgeous" and "incredibly satisfying" with a vibrant and elegant style, highlighting the wine's ripe tannins and perfect balance. Similarly, Antonio Galloni from Vinous praises its "powerful, dark" nature, marked by strong Cabernet influences and a deep, expansive character, giving it a score of 94.
William Kelley from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate appreciates the wine's "vibrant, harmonious" qualities, particularly the use of whole bunch for the old vine Cabernet Franc, which he deems "excellent." The Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss emphasizes the wine's "structured" nature and its great "berry fruits," suggesting it will benefit from further aging, with a drinking window starting in 2026.
This wine is characterized by its aromatic complexity, as noted by James Suckling, who highlights aromas of "black cherries and currants" with hints of cloves and licorice. Jane Anson points out the interesting aging process, with 100% new oak for Cabernet varieties and amphora for Merlot, a detail that contributes to its "silky smooth texture."
Overall, the 2020 Larrivet Haut-Brion is a wine of notable quality, poised to develop further with time. It is recommended for those who appreciate a well-structured Bordeaux with depth and nuance, ideal for enjoying over the next two decades.