Château HAUT-BRION
1er grand cru classé

Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.

See the technical sheet

Revue du Vin de France : 94-96/100 « Dès l’attaque on sent une forte tension interne, une friction des tanins et la vigueur incisive du fruit. [...] La distinction de l’ensemble est évidente, aucun cru ne présente une trame aussi dense et aussi fine. Les tanins pour l’heure prennent le pas sur l’expression du caractère aromatique et le vin semble regarder vers un horizon temporel fort éloigné de nous.  »
Bettane & Desseauve : 96-97/100 ♥ Coup de cœur « Puissant, net, charnu, avec cette année une petite dominante de merlots plutôt fermes tout en étant dans un registre propre au cabernet. Grand avenir. »
Quarin : 97/100 « Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, subtil, profond et complexe. Gras en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, savoureux, riche, le vin évolue juteux et long. Finale à la tannicité enrobée et aux parfums nobles et sophistiqués. C'est superbe !  »
Galloni : 95-97/100 « The 2023 Haut-Brion is superb. Silky, soft tannins enshroud a core of black fruit, gravel, chocolate, cloves and licorice, building into a potent, sumptuous, dazzling wine. Exotic and racy, with remarkable polish, this has a ton of potential. It's an especially sensual, seamless Haut-Brion. »
Martin : 96-98/100 « The nose is less immediate than the La Mission and the fruit is a little darker: blackcurrant, juniper, hints of black olive and a light cedar scent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip and tension. This has superb energy, presenting a crescendo of flavors toward a complex and persistent finish that lingers in the mouth. »