Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is located in Léognan, Bordeaux. The holdings of the estate include 72.5 hectares of vineyards in AOC Pessac-Léognan, farmed according to a sustainable approach, not certified. The château has been owned by the Gervoson family since 1987. The wines of the estate are elegant, well-balanced and charming.

The château produces Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan, Les Demoiselles de Larrivet Haut-Brion (2nd wine) and Les Hauts de Larrivet Haut-Brion. The whites of the estate are: Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc, Les Demoiselles de Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc (2nd wine) and Les Hauts de Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc.

The Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 2020 scored 91-93, 2016, 2017 scored 92 and 2021 scored 90-92 by the Wine Advocate.

The Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc 2016, 2017 and 2018 scored 93, 2020 scored 91-93+, and 2021 scored 91-93 by the Wine Advocate.

Robert Parker’s tasting notes on the Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 2020: “The 2020 Larrivet Haut-Brion displays deep garnet-purple colour and exuberant scents of kirsch, black cherry preserves, stewed plums and warm cassis, plus hints of cinnamon stick and ground cloves with a waft of wilted roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of red and black fruit preserves, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.”

Robert Parker’s tasting notes on the Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc 2018: “Larrivet Haut-Brion's 2018 Blanc bursts with expressive pineapple, Bosc pears and melon scents with hints of pink grapefruit, lime zest and coriander seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully exotic, packed with tropical fruit and citrus layers, supported by a racy backbone and finishing with a spicy kick.”

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion has been owned by the Gervoson family since 1987. Emily Gervoson is in charge, director and winemaker is Bruno Lemoine, consultant is Stéphane Derenoncourt.

The estate was founded in 1840 and since that time it has changed many owners and even names. It was called: Château de Canolle, Château La Rivette, Château La rivette, Château Brion-Larrivet, Château Haut-Brion Larrivet and achieved its current name Château Larrivet Haut-Brion in 1929.

In 1893, Château Haut-Brion-Larrivet became the property of Bordeaux shipowners, and the vineyard increased to 50 hectares.

In 1898 the famous Féret guide classified the wines of the Château as an “exceptional vintage” from the Graves.

From 1941 to 1982 the estate was owned by Mr. Guillemaud, who invested a lot in the development of the estate.

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion’s vineyards are farmed according to a sustainable approach, not certified. 61 hectares are planted with 55 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. The whites are planted at 11,5 hectares with 60 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 40 percent Sémillon. The planting density is 7,700 vines per hectare.

The harvesting is done either manually in crates, or mechanically. Since 2009 an optic sorter has been used. The winery is completely gravity-fed.

Fermentation of red wines is carried out at low temperatures in oak, cement eggs and amphoras. 20 percent of Merlot are fermented in whole bunches. They are matured in 30 percent new French oak barrels and the rest is aged in barrels of one or two wines for 14 to 18 months.

50 percent of white wines are vinified in new French oak barrels, 20 percent in concrete eggs and 30 percent in small wooden vats of 25 hectolitres. The whites are matured in oak barrels from 10 to 11 months with regular lees stirring.

The vintages of 2009 and 2017 are considered to be experimental, as the ageing of a barrel was conducted under the sea in Arcachon Bay to see what impact that has on the wine.