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. — 2 hours 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

Tom Casagrande

9.1

Truncated family party notes. So solid and typical and satisfying. As always. This Crozes is such a great value. Drink up. — 7 months ago

with Dan, Douglas and 2 others

Alvaro Bustillos

9.0

Juan c sulaiman — 7 days 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

Erica Wiggins

9.0

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

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.0

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

S.S. Mandani

9.1

Delicate dandelion wine white flowers and such flowing from the nose.

Tropical notes. Delicate and balanced. Zippy acidity but balanced nicely with flinty minerality.

Slightly underwhelming maybe based off the promise of what it could be — 10 months ago