Search
-
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 2009 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (November 2017): 100/100 “Fresh oak nuance. Soft on the attack and particularly suave on development, very rich on the mid-palate, yet melting, with a very airy and refined yet solid texture, the wine soars on the finish, complex, long, powerful and very deep. This second and even third part of the palate is fabulous. A great, precise and noble wine. The perfect expression of Haut-Brion."
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2019): 97/100 "The 2009 Haut-Brion has a less precocious but more detailed bouquet, more nuanced perhaps with warm slates baking in the summer sun, tilled loam and cedar infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, perfect acidity, layers of mineral-rich black fruit. This seems to have gained more complexity in recent years and is beginning to flirt with perfection. It's not there yet, but it is moving in that direction."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032