Eager to visit a vineyard we are familiar with from the States, we made our way to Chateau Larrievet Haut-Brion. Established in1840, the estate was renamed Château Haut-Brion Larrivet in 1874. In 1893, the vineyards were enlarged by some 50 hectares and in 1898, the Château was rated a "Graves cru exceptionnel". In 1929, the property was given its current name, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion.

This dense, dark garnet full-bodied wine has mineral and black fruit on the nose, followed by black  liquorice with a bit of spice. Aggressive, but controlled smooth tannins produce a long finish of ripe black fruit, hints of vanilla and spicy, toasty notes of the Pessac-Léognan terroirs. Elegant, yet powerful and well-balanced, this is a great wine with ageing potential for up to 25 years...if you can wait that long!