Freddy R. Troya

9.5

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. — 3 days ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.0

Good, not great. — 5 months ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.0

Subtle garrigue. Good acidity lightening this wine. 2022 — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, deep Ruby red color with aromas of sweet red berry fruits, floral and pepper spice. On the palate flavors of black fruits, cacao, tobacco and spicy herbal notes. Lively acidity, fine grainy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, cacao and spicy oak. Nice now! — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of ripe red fruit, rose petals, dried red flowers and eucalyptus. Red and black cherry/raspberry and boysenberry fruit on the palate along with additional notes of chocolate, toffee, savory spices and mint. Well integrated oak on the long and slightly chewy finish. Rustic, well balanced and beautifully aged. Thanks for sharing this one, Ron B! — 3 months ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.3

Very peculiar spectrum of aromas. Freshly cutted pineapple and pear. White peach and grapefruit. Very nice and long finish.
A bit flex on the mid palate but lingering pleasant finish — 6 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.0

Juan c sulaiman — 10 days ago

David Peifer

9.2

A little citrus. A little soft sweetness of unripe stone fruit. A tad bitter grass and olive oil. Very nice. — 3 months ago

Nagib Nasr

8.9

I expected stronger aromas and deeper flavors — 5 months ago

Erica Wiggins

9.0

Really enjoying! And I don’t love rose wines. Light and easy drinking. — 7 months ago