Château Haut-Brion 2019

The estate's history stretches back to the first century, making it one of the oldest in Bordeaux, with evidence of winegrowing at Haut-Brion traceable to Roman Gaul. Over the centuries, the chateau's reputation has been acknowledged by notable figures throughout history, including King Charles II and Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was so taken with the style that he imported 6 cases to enjoy in the US, making Haut-Brion the first First Growth to be imported to the country. The bottle itself represents immense history, as it is shaped to emulate old decanters, giving the wine an immediately recognizable and distinctive profile.

The terroir of Haut-Brion is characterized by deep gravel soils, which are crucial for the exceptional expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Interspersed within these gravels are pockets of clay that have proven particularly important for the cultivation of high-quality Merlot. This unique combination of soil types is best showcased in the estate's Grand Vin, which features a slightly higher proportion of Merlot compared to typical Left Bank Bordeaux. The result is a softer, more rounded profile with remarkable aromatic complexity, displaying an earthy bouquet reminiscent of forest floor and mushrooms, a testament of the estate's unique terroir.

Château Haut-Brion reigns over an exceptional 51-hectare terroir in the heart of the Pessac area. While 48 hectares are dedicated to red grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot), 3 hectares are planted exclusively with white grape varieties (Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris). With a rich heritage built on five centuries of history, this illustrious reference among the fine Pessac-Léognan wines is the oldest of the Bordeaux Grands Crus and the only one that isn’t located in the Médoc.

“The is very refined and elegant with a fine-tannined line running through the center of the palate. It’s very intense and precise. Full-bodied with great, tight fruit. This is subtle and complex, then it opens on the palate and shows incredible depth and intensity. Great length, going on and on for minutes.” - 100 Points, James Suckling

“The 2019 Haut-Brion is a blend of 48.7% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.1% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 14.5%. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, it comes off incredibly shy and reticent to begin, needing considerable coaxing to reveal notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry preserves, woodsmoke and sandalwood, before launching into a full-scale fireworks display of iron ore, cumin seed, redcurrant jelly, red roses, oolong tea and Sichuan pepper scents plus a waft of cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers the most exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins with a lively backbone of freshness supporting the tightly wound, earth-laced black fruit layers, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of the most finely structured, tightly knit wines of the vintage. Given time, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it goes atomic and eventually takes top place for the vintage.” - 99 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 

"The 2019 Haut-Brion has an ethereal degree of transparency on the nose, perhaps the most delineated of all the 2019s, fabulous precision and detail considering the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine bone tannins, unerring symmetry and poise. Cohesive from start to finish with an extraordinarily persistent and compelling closing. Off the charts. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting." - 99+ Points, Vinous

“The Grand Vin 2019 Château Haut-Brion checks in as a classic blend of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple hue is followed by a stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry and currant-like fruit as well as classic Graves cold fireplace, burning embers, tobacco, and cedar pencil. More regal, firm, and classically structured on the palate, this full-bodied beauty has a deep, concentrated mid-palate, building tannins, background oak, and a great, great finish. It's very much in the focused, elegant, yet still concentrated and powerful style of the vintage. It will need a solid decade of cellaring, but it’s a brilliant wine. Best after 2032.” - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

Producer: Château Haut-Brion

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Pessac-Léognan

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml