The prices indicated are inclusive of tax and carriage paid (mainland France) from 48 bottles.
For less than 48 bottles, the contribution to carriage costs (mainland France) is 24.00 €.
Contact us for Corsica, the French overseas departments and territories and exports outside Europe.
All bottles, all names and all formats combined, can be mixed even by unit, freely and free of charge.
Even if they have exceptional ageing potential, we recommend tasting Sauternes from their earliest youth.
They do not have tannic astringency and their aromatic complexity is therefore fabulous!
All bottles, all names and all formats combined, can be mixed even by unit, freely and free of charge.
The apogee dates are given for information only. They can vary according to your taste and the average temperature of your cellar.
Bottle corked? See the end of the "General Terms and Conditions" section for the procedure to follow in this case.
Because we have only one planet, Maison Dubecq only uses cardboard or wood packaging to prepare shipments (neither polystyrene nor thermoformable plastic).
"Save water, drink wine !"
"5 fruits per day: chardonnay, grenache, syrah, pinot and cabernet.."
"It's better when it's good.Emmanuelle Jary
"To know the origin and quality of a wine, there's no need to drink the whole barrel." Oscar Wilde (Moderation Advice)
"Good wine is too expensive and bad wine is too bad." Jack Rollan
"A glass of wine is good for your health. The rest of the bottle is good for mental health!"
"Champagne! Because no great story began over a bowl of salad."
Since 1985, Pape Clément has magnificently combined the bouquet and natural finesse of the Graves with the power of its terroir (comparable to that of the greatest Pauillac wines). It is undoubtedly one of the super seconds on the left bank, what is confirmed by the marks attributed to its latest vintages.
Le millésime 2021 dans la presse :
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2023): 94/100 “The 2021 Pape Clément is a very elegant, polished wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, blood orange, menthol and spice all grace this wonderfully layered, expressive vintage of Pape Clément. Pretty floral top notes add freshness and vivacity. The more laid-back house style these days is so appealing”.
J-M Quarin (février 2024) : 96/100
Since 1985, Pape Clément has magnificently combined the bouquet and natural finesse of the Graves with the power of its terroir (comparable to that of the greatest Pauillac wines). It is undoubtedly one of the super seconds on the left bank, what is confirmed by the marks attributed to its latest vintages.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2024): 95/100 “The Pape Clément rouge 2020 presents an incredibly intense bouquet with multi-layered aromas of blackberry and blueberry, cedar and black olive compote. Hints of vanilla bean and black truffle appear with age. The palate is medium-bodied, with firm, fairly assertive tannins framing a huge weight of fruit (more than the Domaine de Chevalier or Malartic-Lagravière tasted alongside). It's not a subtle Pessac-Léognan, that's for sure, but it has adequate freshness and a sense of minerality and tension on the finish. It will need at least a decade in bottle, but in the long term, it will be magnificent.”
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 92/100
Since 1985, Pape Clément has magnificently combined the bouquet and natural finesse of the Graves with the power of its terroir (comparable to that of the greatest Pauillac wines). It is undoubtedly one of the super seconds on the left bank, what is confirmed by the marks attributed to its latest vintages.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 94/100 “The color of the 2019 red is already showing signs of evolution. However, the expression is deep, still tight, “mineral”, with also bloody and smoky inflections. The fruit then asserts itself, loosening up with real suavity, delivering a touching floral note. If the tannic framework is strong, the grain is fine, the matter still very young. One senses in this Pape Clément, still reserved but very distinguished and profound, an awareness of history. The reinstatement of this two-star estate in our hierarchy is a matter of course.”
J.M Quarin (March 2022): 95/100 “Dark, intense color. Very aromatic nose with ripe, complex fruit. Soft on the palate, with a touch of tenderness too, the wine takes time to wake up on the mid-palate. It evolves deliciously towards a finish with present, enveloping tannicity. Very good length."
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2023): 94/100 “The 2019 Pape Clément has a lot of intensity on the nose, although the new oak is more prominent here compared to the Domaine de Chevalier. Still, there is admirable delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet'n sour entry, grainy tannins, black truffle and soy. Quite intense and assertive on the finish. This will require 3-5 years in bottle and will doubtless deserve a higher score.”
Since 1985, Pape Clément has magnificently combined the bouquet and natural finesse of the Graves with the power of its terroir (comparable to that of the greatest Pauillac wines). It is undoubtedly one of the super seconds on the left bank, what is confirmed by the marks attributed to its latest vintages.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 96/100 “The 2018 Pape Clément is such a beautiful and inviting wine. Silky perfumed and layered, the 2018 shows the more restrained, vibrant style that has become the norm here in recent years. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and spice are front and center, while the oak - in the past so strong here - is really dialed back. The 2018 is going to be a fascinating wine to follow in the cellar over the next several decades. The purity of the flavors is just striking”
J.M Quarin (September 2021): 94/100
Since 1985, Pape Clément has magnificently combined the bouquet and natural finesse of the Graves with the power of its terroir (comparable to that of the greatest Pauillac wines). It is undoubtedly one of the super seconds on the left bank, what is confirmed by the marks attributed to its latest vintages.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
J.M Quarin (February 2019): 98/100 “Dark, intense, beautiful purple color. Superb, very aromatic and intense nose, with pure, ripe, subtle fruit. Complex nuances, both fresh and warm. Full-bodied on entry, then very melting in the middle, the wine develops both power and airiness in the middle, particularly rich in aroma. The texture caresses the palate. Luscious, meticulous and very chic, it finishes complex, very fruity, deep, beautiful, great with great taste! Bravo.”
Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2019): 96/100 “The 2016 Pape Clément is fabulous. Racy and sumptuous in the glass, the 2016 captures the style that now characterizes Bernard Magrez's wines from his estate in Pessac. Specifically, the 2016 is wonderfully deep in the glass, and yet retains terrific freshness as well. A rush odf dark cherry, plum smoke, scorched earth, grilled herb, leather and menthol builds as the 2016 shows off its compelling inviting personality. I would prefer to give the 2016 at least a few years in bottle to allow its full breadth of aromatic develop. Even so, there is so much to like. Pliant, supple and super-expressive, Pape Clément is gorgeous in 2016.”
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2022 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2025): 97/100 "The 2022 Haut-Bailly is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted here in a very long time. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, rose petal and blood orange are all finely laced together in the glass. There's a new sense of polish at Haut Bailly these days. The 2022 is a great example of that Readers will find a supremely finissed wine with striking fruit purity, gorgeous length and a slightly linear build that is not at all typical (in a good sense) for a warm, dry vintage. Clean mineral notes support the finish."
J.M Quarin (February 2025): 98/100 "Dark, intense colour. Very aromatic nose, with ripe fruit, deep and complex. Very delicate on the palate, with a graceful touch, the wine evolves deeply while maintaining this great delicacy. The finish is complex, fat, distinguished and noble, with a long, sappy finish.Enthralling! The best ever made with the 2016."
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 94/100 Coup de ♥ “Haut-Bailly 2021 is not an extrovert; if given the attention it deserves, it offers an aromatic distinction unique in the appellation, with moving subtlety and freshness.”
J-M Quarin (February 2024): 95/100 “Minutious on the entry, very aromatic in the middle, with class in the touch, the wine melts on the palate, juicy, fragrant, a touch tender and already very open. Good length."
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2023): 96/100 “Haut-Bailly 2021 is incredibly poised, even though it is clearly wine of reserve in this vintage. Its vertical build speak of pure sophistication. Time in the glass brings out hints of dried herbs, menthol, licorice, pine, blackberry and underbrush. Most of the blend is Cabernet, so the flavor profile and overall structural feel is quite savory. I can't wait to see how the 2021 ages. It may very well surprise down the road.”
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 96/100 “Offering impressive volume on the palate, velvety texture and exceptional tannin quality, the 2020 is gradually relaxing. But don't be in a hurry to open it! It will bear witness for generations to come.”
Guide Hachette (Guide 2024) coup de ♥ : “full-bodied, seductive, caressing, the palate profiles a Pessac that is both powerful and of great delicacy, carried by very fine tannins of inimitable silkiness”
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 95/100 “its fullness, balance and potential are beyond doubt, it will be a great classic”.
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 96/100
Vinous (N.Martin - January 2024): 95+/100 “The 2020 Haut-Bailly has a much better bouquet than the de Fieuzal. It is notably fresher, with black fruit, cedar and tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins-a well-knit and harmonious Pessac with a precise, understated finish."
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 96/100 “Offering impressive volume on the palate, velvety texture and exceptional tannin quality, the 2020 is gradually relaxing. But don't be in a hurry to open it! It will bear witness for generations to come.”
Guide Hachette (Guide 2024) coup de ♥ : “full-bodied, seductive, caressing, the palate profiles a Pessac that is both powerful and of great delicacy, carried by very fine tannins of inimitable silkiness”
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 95/100 “its fullness, balance and potential are beyond doubt, it will be a great classic”.
Bettane et Desseauve (Guide 2024): 96/100
Vinous (N.Martin - January 2024): 95+/100 “The 2020 Haut-Bailly has a much better bouquet than the de Fieuzal. It is notably fresher, with black fruit, cedar and tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins-a well-knit and harmonious Pessac with a precise, understated finish."
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin ( February 2024): 97/100 “Velvety on the attack, juicy in the mid-palate, with an ample yet melting body, the wine develops meticulously, deep and noble, towards a long, complex and very tasty, fine-grained finish. Classy!"
Vinous (N. Martin - June 2021): 96+/100 "The 2016 Haut-Bailly is brillant on the nose with exquisite delineation and focus: blackberries, potpourri, crushed stone and hints of violet petal. This is utterly seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, perfectly judged acidity, very cohesive and almost Pauillac-like towards the finish. This is a very classy Haut-Bailly as you would expect, and the lenght is stupendous."
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2015 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2025): 95/100 "The 2015 Haut-Bailly was first tasted at the Farr Vinters tasting, although I felt that this botte did not show as well. Another at the Vinous Icons event in New York is more represantative. Vibrant red berry fruit intermixes with blueberry and cassis on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and retains a bit of puppy fat. Rich for the vintage, yet very well balanced, it delivers lovely black truffle and tobacco notes on the finish. This is very fine, but it needs further age in bottle."
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2014 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin ( February 2020): 95/100 “Big, deep nose, complex and pure. Full-bodied, fat-textured palate, developing richly in flavor, with lots of brightness in the taste and a tannic softness unheard of for the year. Long, very present and very good. Not to be missed."
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2024): 93/100 “The 2014 Haut-Bailly is very composed on the nose. It's pretty tertiary, but there is sufficient fruit to back that up, and it feels much more natural than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-balanced, and unapologetically classic in style, but unlike many of its peers, there is no austerity or dryness. This is a polished 2014 that should mature well in bottle.”
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2008 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2021): 97/100 “Intense, velvety, with subtly smoky and mentholated hints emerging from a complete and complex aromatic spectrum, the 2008 shows off the perfect grain of measured, fresh tannin, as civilized as it is natural, which, if it already seems ready, will carry the wine through the decades.”
Vinous (N. Martin - September 2022): 94/100 "The 2008 Haut-Bailly, one of the longest harvest on record, has an impressive bouquet with gorgeous blackberry, biarry, rose petal and bay leaf aromas. This is very delineated and focused. The palate is well balanced with fine-boned tannins. The acidity lends edginess and tension. The finish is cohesive and hamonious wuth lightly spiced black fruit, tobacco and clove. This is a lovely, understated but classy 2008. "
Haut-Bailly is the most delicate of the Graves wines with a particularly silky tannic structure.
The 2006 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2017): 94/100 “Admirably shaped [...] very pretty length.”
Vinous (N. Martin - September 2022): 91/100 "The 2006 Haut-Bailly is a very capable Pessac-Léognan from an oft-overlooked vintage. This reoeats its showing from a few months ealier with lovely blue and black fruits and violet aromas. Perhaps a mote of chimney soot here? The palate is medium-bodied with that slightly ferrous note and tobacco. This is drinking perfectly now, but there's a lot left in the tank."
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2022 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2025): 93/100 "The 2022 Clarence de Haut-Brion is a fabulous second wine. Broad and explosive on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2022 is a total stunner. Dark-toned fruit, leather, spice, menthol and espresso are all dialed up to the maximum. Rich, ample and inviting, The Clarence is positively stellar. What a vivid and deeply satisfying wine it is. All this lacks is a bit of structure on the finish, but then again, this is 2022."
J-M Quarin (February 2025): 94/100 "Dark, intense and beautiful colour. Very aromatic nose, fine, with ripe fruit, smelling of the smoky aromas of Haut Brion. It takes on a fatter appearance when the glass is shaken. A captivating wine. Delicate on the palate, rich in the middle, very tasty, the wine develops at once full-bodied, structured and highly aromatic, without ever losing its balance. Beautiful persistence, with tannins that are present but fine-grained and, in fact, always fragrant. It's the only wine I know like this."
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 94/100 “Clarence emphasizes tension, freshness, with a noble smoky character that asserts itself over the wine's length.”
Vinous (N.Martin - January 2024): 93+/100 “The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a very finely delineated, concentrated and generous bouquet with layers of red and black fruit, pressed violets and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, very poised and pure, with an almost Burgundian allure toward the finish. This should age beautifully in bottle.”
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2023): 90/100 “The 2019 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a slightly subdued nose compared to its peers and needs coaxing from the glass. Earthy red fruit, and touches of tobacco. The palate is well balanced with pliant tannins, crisp red fruit mixed with balsamic and white peppers, just a tad short on the finish".
J-M Quarin (March 2022): 94/100 “It caresses the palate, juicy and suave, with deep aromas, towards a long, sappy, perfumed finish. It's superb.”
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 93/100 “The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has really come out of its shell. Bold, juicy and super-expressive, Le Clarence is so polished and sophisticated. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco, licorice and coffee lift out of the glass. Medium in body and wonderfully persistent, the Clarence is a real beauty.”
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2021): 92/100 “The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, which impressed from barrel, has a gorgeous, sensual bouquet of showy black fruit, potpourri and incense, almost Saint-Émilion in style and very well defined. The focused, poised palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very good tension and splendid weight on the finish. It ranks as one of the best Second Wines of Haut-Brion that I have tasted. Not to be underestimated."
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2020): 92/100 “The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has an impressive bouquet of vibrant red berry fruit, rose petal and loamy aromas and impressively assimilated oak. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Crisp and focused, with a complex finish full of tension and terroir expression. This is another superb Pessac-Léognan.”
Although Les Carmes is adjacent to Haut-Brion and its vines were once part of those of Haut-Brion, the wines produced there are radically different from those of its prestigious neighbour. Due to a particular subsoil with the presence of clay, the vines are mainly Cabernet Franc (42%) and Merlot (40%) and the wines, deep and tasty, have an immediate generosity more typical of the right bank than the left bank. The new team set up following the acquisition in 2010 immediately propelled Les Carmes to the top of the Pessac-Léognan's wines.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - April 2022): 94/100 "The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion was aged in 75% new oak with a touch more matured in foudres. It includes 55% whole bunches. This has a slight confit-like aroma on the nose, plush cranberry and wild strawberry intermingling with cassis and violet; aromatically, this is the more precocious recent vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine tannins, clean and pure with excellent acidity keeping everything on an even keel towards the finish. The 2018 has a caressing texture and is very persistent. I might quibble and say that I just find the nose a little trop, but the palate is superb."
Although Les Carmes is adjacent to Haut-Brion and its vines were once part of those of Haut-Brion, the wines produced there are radically different from those of its prestigious neighbour. Due to a particular subsoil with the presence of clay, the vines are mainly Cabernet Franc (42%) and Merlot (40%) and the wines, deep and tasty, have an immediate generosity more typical of the right bank than the left bank. The new team set up following the acquisition in 2010 immediately propelled Les Carmes to the top of the Pessac-Léognan's wines.
The 2017 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - April 2022): 93/100 "The 2017 Les Carmes Haut-Brion comprises 45% whole bunches and matured for two years in 80% new oak plus foudres and amphorae. Complex on the nose, this offers black olive and brine tinged black fruit, crushed stone and light minty aromas, quite intense in the context of the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit on the entry, quite Rhône-like in flavour profile, hints of fennel and thyme interwoven into the red fruit, persistent on the finish. Delicious and distinctive."
Although Les Carmes is adjacent to Haut-Brion and its vines were once part of those of Haut-Brion, the wines produced there are radically different from those of its prestigious neighbour. Due to a particular subsoil with the presence of clay, the vines are mainly Cabernet Franc (42%) and Merlot (40%) and the wines, deep and tasty, have an immediate generosity more typical of the right bank than the left bank. The new team set up following the acquisition in 2010 immediately propelled Les Carmes to the top of the Pessac-Léognan's wines.
The 2015 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (November 2022): 95/100
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2025): 93/100 "The 2015 Carmes Haut-Brion has a lifted, finely delineated nose with black cherry, wild mint and a dab of cough candy in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with plush tannins. but there is structure behind that slightly glossy façade. this has a gentle grip and the right amount of black pepper that lends complexity on the finish."
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 95/100 “La Mission has produced a 2021 of the highest order, retaining all the intensity and distinction of the vintage, [...] Ample and pure, the fruit is reminiscent of cherry, [...] The body is complete, ample, almost velvety in a vintage for which this is certainly not the primary characteristic. The tannic length, well present, straight, full-bodied, is the guarantee of a long and fruitful evolution”.
J-M Quarin (February 2024): 96/100 “Ample on the attack, accompanied by a meticulous texture throughout the stimulation, halfway between the right bank and the left bank, the wine perfumes the palate before becoming powerful on the finish, while retaining its measured tannic support. It's unputdownable and tasty”.
Vinous (N. Martin - November 2023): 93/100 “The 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion has a very cohesive bouquet, well-defined with minerally red and black fruit, hints of white flowers and a distant tang of black olive. The almost "estuarine" element becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite fresh though not a complex or deep La Mission. It is lifted by the salinity and sustain on the finish-also its typicité. Whilst not a wine from the top drawer, it is a fascinating, engaging Pessac that will drink over the next 20 or 30 years.”
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2017 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2019): 96/100 "A positively stunning wine, the 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion is all class. Sweet floral notes give the 2017 striking freshness, nuance and energy. Rose petal, mint, blood orange, red cherry, pomegranate and mocha are all laced together. In 2017, La Mission plays very much in the red fruit and floral end oh the spectrum. Effortless, gracious and wonderfully nuanced, the 2017 simply has it all. What a wine!"
J-M Quarin (February 2020): 95/100 “Decanting gives it a sweeter note reminiscent of raspberry. On the palate, this sweetness is reflected in a very delicate stimulation where everything caresses and melts, leaving plenty of room for the aroma. This sensation is reminiscent of tasting great red Burgundies. The finish is subtle and ravishing."
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2016, which Mr. Galloni compares to the glorious and historic 1955 and 1989.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - December 2018): 99/100 "The 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion was stunning from barrel, and now in bottle. It has a sublime bouquet of blackberries, briar and hints of dark chocolate and rose petals that gain intensity with aeration while maintaining ethereal delineation. It never steps on the accelerator too hard. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is still a veneer of new oak that will need to be assimilated over the coming years. This is a deep La Mission that caresses the mouth. Touches og graphite lingering on a finish that fans out gloriously. Is the 2016 up there with the 1955 or 1989? Nearly."
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2015 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2025): 96/100 "The 2015 La Mission Haut-Brion has a supremely gifted bouquet with vigorous blackberry, pencil box and cedar scents that seem to have moved little since I last tasted it in 2019/ The palate is medium-bodied, very ripe and actually much toastier than I remembered. This has a pliant tannins and the savory element I picked up on before is now accentuated."
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.
The 2022 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2025): 98+/100 "The 2022 Haut-Brion is powerful and explosive. At the same time, it is incredibly reticent. None of that should be of concern for readers who can wait. Black-toned fruit, gravel, incense, scorched earth and licorice all stain the palate, framed by impenetrable, imposing tannins. A vertical, explosive wine, the 2022 is going to need a number of years to be at its best. I suspect it will be magnificent in many years time. The Haut-Brion softens with a bit of time in the glass, but it remains very much a blockbuster."
J-M Quarin (February 2025): 99/100 "Deep, dark colour. Intense, fine, fruity, smoky nose, rarely seen so young. When swirled, it takes on a touch of black fruit, hearth in the fireplace and a hint of resin. A superb wine! Ample on the attack, complex on the mid-palate, with plenty of flavour and a fine fatness running across the palate, the wine evolves very slowly over a tight structure, towards a powerful, deep finish.It's particularly good, with a unique aromatic profile and punch for a Pessac Léognan."
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.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 97/100 “Haut-Brion established itself during the en primeur tastings as one of the wines of the 2021 vintage. Today, in bottle, it is widening the gap [...] It's a complete wine, showing a kind of obvious élan, long but full, tight, with an obvious breed”.
The Wine Advocate (March 2024): 97/100 “Haut-Brion 2021 confirms its fine performance in the primeur competition and asserts itself as one of the wines of the vintage. It is complex, full-bodied, deep and velvety, with soft tannins and lively acids, and finishes with a long, penetrating finish. It will delight Bordeaux purists."
Vinous (N. Martin - November 2023): 95/100 “The 2021 Haut-Brion has a very pure bouqet, quite complex with a mixture of blueberry and black cherry fruit, iris flower and violet, hints of sea spray in the background. This is more engaging than the 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good fruit concentration considering the vintage, commendable salinity and harmonious, sapid finish that is classic in style. I suspect this mays well close down for a period of time before re-opening. Excellent.”
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.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - April 2022): 99+/100 “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.”
J-M Quarin (March 2022): 96/100 “Delicate on the entry, particularly aromatic in the middle, juicy, complex and very tasty, the wine tightens delicately on the finish. It finishes powerful and noble, with lots of aroma.”
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.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
En Magnum (April 2021): 100/100 “When it was tasted en primeur, I had been very impressed by this haut-brion. I remember finding it extremely complete. In bottle, I find this incredible side that sums up everything I love in a great Bordeaux. The caress, the velvety texture, the nobility of texture and tannins, and this great personality that is absolutely unique. [...] Beauty, fullness, velvety concentration, at once the style of the greatest of Pomerol and that of the greatest of the Médoc, always with the terroir and personality of the cru.”
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2021): 99/100 “Mellow, the wine's flesh remains paradoxically taut, tight, and finishes its parade on the palate with an impression of lanky grace. The evolutionary potential of this great vintage is enormous”.
J-M Quarin (November 2021): 98/100 “Shaking the glass brings out the raspberry and refined nuances. Mellow on the entry, full and yet melting in the middle, with a crazy aromatic power towards the finish and lots of taste, the wine finishes particularly long, on a magnificent grain of tannin.”
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 97/100 "The 2018 Haut-Bion is an infant, but its balance and potential are both amply evident. Rich and deep in the glass, the 2018 opens to reveal tremendous complexity and nuance, qualities that only grow with time. The 2018 is not a huge Haut-Brion, nor is it massively endowed, but it is so elegant and classy. I loved it."