La Clarté de Haut-Brion

A dry, chilly winter prepared the way for a slightly early budbreak and a springtime bathed in light that accompanied the vine’s momentum. Adjusting the pace of their work to each sign from living organisms, the teams gave constant watchfulness to the vineyard. There was complete consistency for flowering and berry set, which unfolded in ideal conditions. Passed on from weather conditions in the previous year, floral induction was weaker however, and a sign of a harvest of lower quantity. As of the month of June, the earth began to suffer an ordeal of scorching heat. The drought set in for the long term, driven by early heatwaves. In the midst of a burning hot summer, veraison was swift and consistent. Confronted with the challenge of receiving no water, utmost consideration was given to the vine to assist it: very little work was done within the vineyard and absolutely no leaf thinning, in order to preserve this protective cover of foliage facing the sun.

Harvests of white grapes began on 14 August, making 2025 the second earliest harvest in the history of the estate. Lower quantities, but concentrated berries which revealed a precious union between aromatic intensity and firmness. Delayed by the scarcity of water, red grapes found the completion of their ripeness in some beneficial rain which fell in September. Merlots and Cabernets then reached good, in-depth ripeness. Meticulous sorting made it possible to remove bunches too damaged by the burning summer sun. The grapes gathered showed a substance with excellent concentration and powerful, complex aromas, letting us foresee a magnificent vintage which will be no exception to the renown of years ending in 5.