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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.
J-M Quarin: 100/100 “A very aromatic, refined, fruity, deep and highly complex nose, accompanied by a hint of ink reminiscent of the great Médocs. Full-bodied and meticulous on the attack, more restrained here than La Mission, the wine settles slowly in the mid-palate, develops structure, takes on vibrant aromas and suddenly surges on the finish, proving at once very powerful, delicate and, above all, immensely long. Never have I seen a Haut-Brion fill the mouth with such precision and power between the mid-palate and the finish. Magnificent!”
Vinous (N. Martin): 98-100/100 “The 2025 Haut-Brion has a very pure and elegant bouquet with ebullient brambly red fruit, crushed stone, potpourri and touches of Earl Grey. Wonderful delineation and a little more refined than, say, the 2020 or 2022. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, and there is more complexity here than La Mission, more depth and minéralité. Fresh and marine-tinged towards the finish that makes you want to come back. This year, the First Growth has put a bit of distance between itself and La Mission."
La Revue du Vin de France : 98-99/100 “The 2025 vintage at Haut-Brion is one of modest quantity (26 hl/ha) but exceptional quality; its freshness is surprising, with fruit that is ultra-expressive, juicy and delicious. Yet the wine is 62% Merlot – which is not all that common – but without the slightest heaviness and with an alcohol content capped at 13%. It boasts an endless velvety finish that bursts open like a peacock’s tail, releasing waves of fruit. A truly great Haut-Brion with a classic profile, built to stand the test of time.”
Terre de Vins : 98-99/100 Coup de ♥ "Airy and floral, displaying perfectly ripe fruit whilst retaining a subtle hint of incense and violet, this 2025 Haut-Brion sets the bar high right from the start. The palate is incredibly velvety, its enveloping roundness tinged with fine tannins that bring liveliness, energy and salivation: this is haute couture, flavourful, savoury, persistent and full of moving details in both texture and aroma. It is a meeting of the sensual and the intellectual, much to our delight.”
Bettane+Desseauve : 97/100 « Porté par un grand volume et une matière impressionnante, son caractère aromatique exprime la race du cru, même si l’élégance habituelle demande encore à se révéler pleinement. »
Vinous (A. Galloni): 96-98/100 “The 2025 Haut-Brion is quite the powerhouse. Black fruit, cloves, new leather, tobacco, chocolate and menthol open before a wave of huge tannins and incisive acids take over. Haut-Brion can be rather dark and somber. That is very much the case with the 2025, a wine that speaks with sepia-toned, baritone inflections. It also conveys more obvious ripeness than La Mission Haut-Brion at this stage."