Presentation
The oldest of the Great Crus of Bordeaux, the inventor of a new style of wine in the 17th century, the first known luxury brand in the world... Superlatives are lacking when we evoke Château Haut-Brion... This wine has a history of five centuries and is part of the History of Wine.
Terroir
The vineyard covers 51 hectares, 48 of which are planted with red grape varieties. The terroir of Haut-Brion, formed by two important ridges of Gunzian gravel - the Gunz is a glacial period of the Quaternary era - rises 12 to 15 meters above the bottoms of the neighboring watercourses. These gravels are small stones, formed of different varieties of quartz: true gemstones of the terroir of Château Haut-Brion. The Peugue stream to the north and the Serpent stream to the south delineate this vast gravelly terrace, named Haut Brion, which can be found on old maps of the region or in notarial deeds, as early as the beginning of the 15th century. The subsoil is clay-sandy in nature.
Winemaking
Alcoholic fermentation starts spontaneously, thanks to the natural yeasts in the vineyard. Extraction is achieved through pumping over for about two weeks.
Ageing
The aging period in oak barrels is 18 to 20 months with 59% new wood.
Varietals
Merlot : 62%
Cabernet sauvignon : 26,20%
Cabernet franc : 11,80%
Tasting
The dress is dark red, intensely colored, iridescent with purple reflections. The first nose is discreet, all in restraint and elegance, faithful to the identity of Haut-Brion. Then come floral notes, followed by black fruit, cherry, and even eucalyptus. The palate is precise, the wine unfolds its texture, of an almost textured and eminently pedigreed density. The fruity freshness in the middle of the palate, adorned with refined tannins, helps awaken all the senses. Then, the wine progresses further, spherical, omnipresent, with a power and persistence that make it a true aromatic firework. A paradoxically endless finish whose inevitable conclusion resonates as an evidence: Haut-Brion is eternal.
Reviews
Wine Advocate
Vinous
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
Decanter