Classic. Full-bodied. Cedar, plum, blackberries, tobacco, dark chocolate. Decanted for about six hours before the tannins settled down. — 2 months ago
Loved my first sip of this. Have in my notes that I liked it less as I kept drinking, but then liked it again at the end. It’s pretty dry and you can taste the yeast. Definitely apple-y , I also get some grapefruit and pineapple. It has a bit of oak and minerality. Feels polished. Nice wine. — 4 months ago
Super interesting – barbecue, smoke and green pepper really different but enjoyable. Quite a distinct flavor.  — 6 days ago
Tasted blind. Pretty similar to 2 in colour , more garnet core , some ruby with a garnet rim . Slightly more closed on the nose , touch of spice , hickory , then dark fruits , grafite . On the palate this is more mineral and intense , with good volume and a ripe layer of dark fruits , quite rich and mouthfilling but with good freshness and length . Lots of cassis and grafite , some cedar , grippy tannins . Dense and quite powerful long finish . This has a lovely spiced character with an earthy finish . Still pretty young , needs a little more time , but great balance . Wait Another 5 -8 years and will last well a further 10-15. I did not put this as HB in the 30 minutes we had to study the wines , the sweet spice took me over to Mouton , with more time it was obviously so different , so I kicked myself when it was revealed as HB. My 4th placed wine . — 2 months ago
2014 vintage. Last tasted 6.2.23 (9.3). Light-medium body. Decanted with very little sed. Tasted after 30 minutes and two hours. Some fresh, green herbs along with tobacco and milk chocolate notes. Unperturbed and completely confident. Slightly better than the last visit and feel like another decade/near-decade will find this at a 9.5. 4.8.26. — 3 months ago
Rich, mature and extremely balance but at the same time: an impressive mouth full of wine and so very subtle. Brilliant. Sun-dried tomato. Warm cherry flan. Lavender. Black fruit compote. Wet terracotta tiles on a warm summer day. The class oozes from the glass. Wow. — 6 months ago
Soft tannic structure. Buttery. — a month ago
My dad bought and left this in my apartment. Braved opening it for a steak night, as I am weary to open reds when it is just me drinking because I don’t want to waste any. Safe to say this did not get wasted. I was unfamiliar with Bandols, and this made me a fan. It was everything I love in a red. It was a darker, more structured and intense wine. Dark fruit, but not fruit forward as it had some herbal and earthy notes. Is it gross to say it was almost meaty? Tannins were present but not overbearing. I was raised on big wines and this checked that box. This was perfect with steaks and just great with food overall. Thanks France. — 2 months ago
Classic entry level Bordeaux. Everything you hope it would be. — 4 months ago
Classic La Mission nose showing mostly black fruits, with notes of smoke, cedar, licorice, leather, mocha, underbrush & cigar ash. Just entering its prime with many years ahead — 6 months ago
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion – 2020
Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
This white Bordeaux is built on the classic backbone of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and (often) a dash of Muscadelle. What makes this cuvée stand out is the use of egg-shaped concrete vats for fermentation and aging — these facilitate a gentle, natural stirring of the lees and preserve freshness without imparting oak character.
Aromas & Flavors
Tropical notes, citrus zest, white blossoms, and a soft mineral streak. The influence of the egg vats gives it a rounded texture without harsh edges.
Mouthfeel
Silky yet crisp — the texture is elegant, clean, and balanced. The finish lingers with refreshing clarity.
Food Pairing
Fantastic with seafood (oysters, scallops), grilled fish, or creamy goat cheese.
Verdict
One of my favorite Pessac-Léognan whites — this expression marries Bordeaux structure with modern winemaking finesse. Great value and beautifully made. Cheers!
📌 Did You Know?
Egg-shaped concrete vats create a “micro-vortex” during fermentation, gently stirring the wine and keeping lees suspended. That subtle movement adds texture and complexity without the overt influence of oak — a technique growing in popularity among modern Bordeaux blancs. — 9 months ago
Ron Siegel
Classic La Mission nose that is in a perfect spot showing red & black fruits, cedar, leather, earth, graphite, spice box along with sweet tobacco — 12 days ago