2025 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge

EXCLUSIVE - EXPECTED SPRING 2028 Winery Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is one of the more well-known names in Pessac-Léognan and boasts a long history dating back to the nineteenth century. Located south of Bordeaux, the estate has invested heavily in quality in recent years, with a clear focus on terroir, precision, and sustainable viticulture. The château's style is increasingly moving towards finesse and tension, combining ripe fruit with freshness and elegance. Both the estate's red and white wines are gaining increasing international acclaim. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. Region, climate and location Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is located in Pessac-Léognan, an appellation south of Bordeaux known for its gravelly soils and the combination of power and refinement. The vineyards lie on gravel soils above a clay-sand matrix with a calcareous subsoil. This terroir contributes tension, aromatic precision, and a distinct mineral structure. The 2025 vintage was marked by a hot and dry summer. However, thanks to the water reserves built up by the rainfall in 2024, the vines remained remarkably well-balanced. The approximately 40 mm of rain in early September proved crucial for the final ripening. Merlot retained its fresh acidity, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc ripened excellently phenologically. A dry September made it possible to harvest plot by plot at optimal ripeness. Vineyards and grape varieties The 2025 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 22% Cabernet Franc. Notable is the relatively high proportion of Cabernet Franc, which lends the wine extra aromatic refinement, floral nuances, and freshness. The vineyards cover approximately 58 hectares, and the average age of the vines is about 35 years. The grapes are harvested plot by plot and carefully selected. A portion of the Merlot and Cabernet Franc is fermented whole-cluster, averaging approximately 8.5%, which adds extra aromatic complexity and tension. Harvest, vinification and aging The harvest took place between September 3 and 22. After destemming, the grapes are not crushed, so that maximum freshness and precision are preserved. The grapes first undergo manual selection, followed by optical sorting to use only perfectly ripe fruit. Vinification takes place plot by plot in small, temperature-controlled, gravity-filled concrete vats. Long macerations of four to five weeks ensure structure and refinement without over-extraction. For aging, 50% new and one-year-old French oak barrels are used for the Cabernets. Additionally, 5% of the Merlot ages in terracotta amphorae, contributing to the texture and purity of the fruit. At 13%, the alcohol content remains remarkably classic. Color, smell and taste The 2025 Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge immediately demonstrates how well freshness and concentration can go hand in hand in a warm year. On the nose, aromas of dark red fruit, cassis, and ripe berries, supported by floral notes of rose and violets. The Cabernet Franc provides extra refinement and a strikingly aromatic character. On the palate, medium to full-bodied, with a combination of power and elegance. The texture is creamy and refined, supported by soft tannins that make the wine accessible without losing precision. Additionally, mineral accents, light notes of tobacco, and tree bark subtly emerge, adding extra depth. What stands out is the balance. Despite the warm conditions, the wine retains sufficient tension and freshness. The structure is more classic than rich or heavy, with a linear style and great precision towards the finish. The finale is long, harmonious, and remarkably refined. Development and drinking window The 2025 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Rouge clearly has aging potential, but will be relatively approachable early on thanks to its refined tannin structure and aromatic openness. According to Antonio Galloni, the drinking