“A lip-smacking example of controlled power” – Robert Parker

Chateau Haut-Brion has belonged to the absolute top of Bordeaux for centuries. In the 17^th In the 19th century, Haut-Brion was the first to produce a wine made from a single vineyard. This wine was widely praised by prominent writers. This 2022 once again receives many accolades, including 98-100/100 points from Jeff Leve and 98-99/100 points from James Suckling. Powerful, full, and creamy with a plump luxury but also a refined elegance. Let the wine rest quietly for a few more years so that it can mature well, and the taste only improves. Ready to drink from 2032 and can be kept until 2062.

Tasting note Château Haut-Brion Pessac 1^th Grand Cru Classé 2022

In the glass, the wine is deep dark red with a bright purple rim. The nose is layered and enormously complex. Dark aromas of blueberries, ripe blackcurrants, plums, and luscious cherries. Lavender, violets, and fresh mint follow, after which a spicy, earthy feast begins. Minerals, forest leaves, and black truffle. Full-bodied, but not heavy. A fresh, fruity core with a spicy and elegant finish. The power lies in the remarkably long aftertaste. Pair this wine with red meat, grilled dishes, or mature cheeses. Best enjoyed from about 8 years after the vintage and can be aged for at least 40 years.

Vinification

The 1^th Grand Cru Classé from Château Haut-Brion consists of 54% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc. After the manual harvest and sorting of the grapes, fermentation begins in stainless steel tanks. Subsequently, the wine is transferred to barrels for aging. This phase is essential for developing complexity and integrating wood notes without overpowering the wine. The wine is regularly racked into other barrels, a process known as “à l’esquive,” during which the wine is clarified and purified while being gently exposed to oxygen. After 18 to 20 months of barrel aging, the best wines are selected and bottled. This marks the beginning of a slow aging process in the bottle, where the wine will further develop its character and come into full bloom before it is ready for us, the enthusiasts.

Château Haut-Brion

Château Haut-Brion, located in Pessac, a few kilometers southwest of BordeauxIt is the oldest and most historic winery in the Gironde region. In the 17th century, the estate produced the very first Bordeaux from a single vineyard, which quickly gained fame in London coffee houses and was praised by prominent writers. Clarence Dillon, an American banker, purchased the estate in 1935 and made significant investments in the renovation of the cellar and the vineyard. In 1960, Haut-Brion became the first Premier Cru to introduce stainless steel tanks to replace wooden barrels. Later, in 1983, the Dillon family acquired the neighboring Château la Mission Haut-Brion.

The vineyard covers 51 hectares, of which more than 48 hectares are planted with red grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and slightly less than 3 hectares are dedicated to white grape varieties such as Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Awards:

James Suckling on the 2022 vintage – 98-99 points

Robert Parker on the 2022 vintage – 95-97 points

Jeff Leve on the 2022 vintage – 98-100 points

Decanter on the 2022 vintage – 96 points

Jancis Robinson on the 2020 vintage – 18/20