Château Haut Brion is one of the five First Growths of the 1855 Classification of the Medoc. The Château was established in 1533 by Jean de Pontac, who was the first to plant vineyards on this prime gravelly site, found in the Graves sub-region of Pessac Leognan. The Chateau is owned today by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the great-grandson of Clarence Dillon.
Château Haut Brion is the only property outside of the Medoc in the 1855 classification.
It is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with three hectares planted to the white varieties of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Château Haut Brion is the only property outside of the Medoc in the 1855 classification. A wine of class and breed, Château Haut Brion is typically more approachable in its youth, showing floral perfume and elegance, yet possesses the structure required for exceptional longevity.
49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.9% Cabernet Franc Deep crimson. Deep plum praline vanilla aromas with herb garden notes. Generously proportioned wine with rich dark plum dark chocolate fruits, brambly chocolaty textures, lovely mid palate viscosity and mineral length. Still in evolution.
96 points, Andrew Caillard MW.
49.4% Merlot, 11.9% Cabernet Franc, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvested between 6 September and 2 October. Cabernet Franc picked a bit later than usual after their colleagues at Quintus, who have lots of Franc, told them to wait! Barrel sample. Deepest black-cherry colour. Much more subdued on the nose than La Mission but has intense purity. Finely textured and yet dense, the freshness lifting it off the ground even with all the underlying power. Deep-rooted purity and wonderful persistence, all tied up and just with that slight rocky character that finishes dry but not drying. Impressive elegance in a powerful vintage. Firm, dry and yet so much more supple than many wines. Very slightly toasty on the finish but the oak is swallowed by the fruit. (JH) 14.6% Drink 2028-2048
