2012 Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion

Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion is a Grand Cru de Graves estate in Pessac-Léognan. Though its history goes back several centuries, it is today owned by Christine and Philippe Gervoson, who in the last decade or two have made many improvements and renovations. The 135 acres of vineyards are adjacent to Château Haut-Bailly, and the estate produces both red and white wine. The flagship red is generally about half Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The white is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The estate also makes several second wines. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that the château is well known in European wine circles but until recently was rarely seen in America…This is a property with tremendous upside potential…”

Pessac-Léognan was created in 1987 from the northern part of the left bank Graves appellation. Before then it was simply part of Graves, or sometimes it was called Haut-Graves. Unlike many other Bordeaux appellations, Pessac-Léognan is known for both red and dry white wines, although its reds are more famous. The appellation includes ten communes and the area’s most important châteaux, including Château Haut-Brion, the only non-Médoc estate included in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. There are 2,964 acres of vineyards in Pessac-Léognan and 16 classified growth estates. The main red grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. White grapes grown are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle. Pessac-Léognan is considered to have the best terroir of the greater Graves region.