Chateau Haut Brion

Picture walking into a flower show with a basket of fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar, and while that is not quite PC, it is the aromatic profile here. The wine is fresh, bright, vibrant, lifted, and floral on the palate. The wine is elevated, refined, soft, and silky, with a refreshing, silky edge to the fruits in the finish. The wine is pure elegance. There is nothing between you and the fruits. There is intensity, length, and a striking sense of purity. The wine lingers seamlessly for 60 seconds or longer..

The 2019 Château Haut-Brion Blanc is a more Sauvignon Blanc-dominated white that includes 36% Semillon. Its light gold hue is followed by a bright, racy Sauvignon nose of crushed limes, caramelized grapefruit, white flowers, and subtle minerality. It's incredibly pure, vibrant, and crystalline on the nose.

A blend of 71.4% Sauvignon Blanc and 28.6% Semillon, harvested 20th to 27th August and with an alcohol of 13.9%, the 2020 Haut Brion Blanc slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh pears, spiced apple slices, orange zest and lemongrass, plus touches of wet pebbles, dillseed and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate wears its lightly spicy apple and pear layers with grace and sophistication, supported by a racy backbone and subtly creamy texture, finishing long and mineral-laced. It will need time, but there's no doubting it's a knock-out.

"This perfumed wine shines with black fruits. Against this, the wine's tannins are solid and firm, promising long-term aging. The wine's structure—black fruits against tannins—is a classic for this estate. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

Composed of 56% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Haut-Brion is deep garnet in color. The nose beings with simple licorice notes before slowly unfurling to deliver growing scents of creme de cassis, plum preserves, dark chocolate, and lilacs, followed by suggestions of crushed rocks, tar, black truffles and cardamom. The full-bodied palate is a tightly coiled spring, taut with black fruit preserves and earthy layers and framed by very firm, grainy tannins, delivering a burst of freshness to carry the long, long, long finish. This will need a good 7-10 more years to fully blossom, and it will be well worth the wait.

The 2019 Château Haut-Brion Rouge presents a deep garnet-purple color with aromas of ripe fruit, wilted roses, and spice, evolving to a core of blackcurrant and stewed plums on the palate, exhibiting a firm, grainy tannic structure and a long, spicy finish.

Crafted with elegance and power, Chateau Haut-Brion 1979 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The characteristic of this wine is its harmony between the very soft and very fine structure and the complex aroma given by the earth of the “Graves”. There is a lot of charm in this bottle which could be consumed either in the next few years or be kept in the cellar as the wine will age remarkably.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Haut-Brion 1997 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Haut-Brion 1998 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Embodying an iconic legacy, Chateau Haut-Brion 1999-919 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Crafted with elegance and power, Chateau Haut-Brion 1999-920 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Extremely good color, dense and young for this vintage. The aromas of this young wine burst upon you. Again this is a wine that is aromatically perfectly balanced. Wood scents do not prevail in this young wine. The approach is soft, and unctuous. The aromatic balance melds in the mouth with soft dissolving tannins. No rigid tannin but rather a slight hint of licorice that melts into the softness of the finish. Thanks to its ageing, the wine will reach its apogee.

A surprisingly dense color which stays very bright despite its depth. Initially, a certain reticence conceals the wine’s aromas, but its richness is very quickly felt. The attack surprises with its sensation of dense, highly complex fruit volume. Little by little the tannins fill the mouth. They are silky, smooth and mellow, to which is added gentle notes of very subtle woodiness. The whole effect is so succulent you could almost eat it. The wine is long and very elegant. It is perfectly balanced in structure.

Chateau Haut-Brion is the only first growth outside the Medoc in the Graves region, acquired in 1935 by Clarence Dillon. It is also the only winer to be both First Growth from the 1855 classification and Classified Growth of the Graves. This was the first of three estates acquired by the Dillon family, and is the oldest winegrowing property in the region. The 2016 is a red wine blend made from 56% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black currants, violets and plums that is full-bodied and juicy on the palate with rich tannin and structure.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Clarence Haut Brion 2019 offers a full-bodied profile with vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

"Gorgeous aromas of mango, pineapple, lime and dusty stone follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a creamy, ultra-fine texture. Flavorful and beautiful. Wonderful length. Extremely racy and fine in the mouth. Drink after 2025."
94 Points, James Suckling

The 2020 La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc is a vibrant, opulent Pessac-Léognan white, blending Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, offering intense aromas of pineapple, peach, lemon curd, and honeysuckle, with rich, fleshy fruit (nectarine, tropical notes) balanced by juicy acidity, minerality, and a chalky, spicy finish, showcasing the warm vintage's maturity with elegance. It's known for being up-front, fresh, and complex, serving as a delicious second wine from the Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion estates, with a blend around 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. 

The Le Clarence Haut-Brion is the 2nd wine of the first growth Chateau Haut-Brion. It was in 2007 that this wine was renamed Le Clarence Haut-Brion as a tribute to Clarence Dillon, who acquired the property in 1935. The 2016 vintage is a blend of 51% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a beautiful nose of cassis, violets, graphite and crushed rocks. Medium to full body, it has good concentration, grainy tannins and finishes with a long mineral note. Drink until 2036.

The Le Clarence Haut-Brion is the 2nd wine of the first growth Chateau Haut-Brion. It was in 2007 that this wine was renamed Le Clarence Haut-Brion as a tribute to Clarence Dillon, who acquired the property in 1935. This blend of 73% Merlot, 16% Cabernet France and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon has fruity red fruits on the nose with a smooth, concentrated palate.This a charming, pleasant wine.

The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a rich, full-bodied Bordeaux blend with deep purple color, bursting with ripe black fruit (black cherry, blackberry, plum), earthy notes (graphite, scorched earth, crushed rocks, tobacco), spice (cedar, incense, herbs), and hints of pencil shavings, all wrapped in a velvety texture with firm, polished tannins and a long, spicy finish, promising great aging potential. It's considered a powerful yet balanced wine, showcasing classic Graves character with excellent concentration and freshness. 

There is 52% Merlot in the blend and it shows in an enticing, opulent aroma of plum and blackberry. A little more backward than the other wines in the Haut-Brion stable so far, but all the ingredients are there to make a brilliant wine. There is a great depth of ripe fruit, impressively fine tannins, lovely balance and excellent length. It is superbly fresh and has exceptional potential for the future.
(52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot)

Blend: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028-2059

98 Points - James Suckling
"This year, the style of Haut Brion shows through with transparency, beautiful balance and precision. Fine austerity, with excellent minerality, dark olives and red and dark berries. Structured on the mid-palate. Beautiful depth for the vintage, with really fine-grained tannins and a lengthy finish that lingers. So much vibrancy and finesse. A classic vintage."

Blend: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2028-2059

98 Points - James Suckling
"This year, the style of Haut Brion shows through with transparency, beautiful balance and precision. Fine austerity, with excellent minerality, dark olives and red and dark berries. Structured on the mid-palate. Beautiful depth for the vintage, with really fine-grained tannins and a lengthy finish that lingers. So much vibrancy and finesse. A classic vintage."

Blend: Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Cabernet Franc (5%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2068

99-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A profound and impeccably refined Haut-Brion that stands among the greatest wines of the vintage. The bouquet is extraordinarily complex, unfolding with layers of cassis, black cherries, ripe plums and violets, complemented by signature notes of graphite, cigar box, warm earth and exotic spices. The palate is seamlessly textured, combining remarkable concentration with precision and freshness. Silky, perfectly integrated tannins frame a core of pure dark fruit and mineral depth, while vibrant acidity provides exceptional energy and balance. The finish is breathtakingly long, nuanced and persistent, showcasing the timeless elegance and extraordinary pedigree of this iconic Pessac-Léognan.”

Blend: Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Cabernet Franc (5%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2068

99-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A profound and impeccably refined Haut-Brion that stands among the greatest wines of the vintage. The bouquet is extraordinarily complex, unfolding with layers of cassis, black cherries, ripe plums and violets, complemented by signature notes of graphite, cigar box, warm earth and exotic spices. The palate is seamlessly textured, combining remarkable concentration with precision and freshness. Silky, perfectly integrated tannins frame a core of pure dark fruit and mineral depth, while vibrant acidity provides exceptional energy and balance. The finish is breathtakingly long, nuanced and persistent, showcasing the timeless elegance and extraordinary pedigree of this iconic Pessac-Léognan.”

Blend: 56.1% Semillon, 43.9% Sauvignon Blanc
Drinking Window: 2026-2050

100 Points - The Wine Independent
"After a little shaking, notes of orange blossoms, fresh grapefruit, and just-ripe pineapple slowly emerge from the glass, followed by hints of fennel seed, wet pebbles, and blanched almonds. The medium-bodied palate is so silky and seamless, melting in your mouth with saline-laced citrus and tropical fruit layers, finishing with epic length and depth. Incredible."

Blend: 56.1% Semillon, 43.9% Sauvignon Blanc
Drinking Window: 2026-2050

100 Points - The Wine Independent
"After a little shaking, notes of orange blossoms, fresh grapefruit, and just-ripe pineapple slowly emerge from the glass, followed by hints of fennel seed, wet pebbles, and blanched almonds. The medium-bodied palate is so silky and seamless, melting in your mouth with saline-laced citrus and tropical fruit layers, finishing with epic length and depth. Incredible."

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (56%), Sémillon (44%)
Drinking Window: 2028-2050

99-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A breathtaking Haut-Brion Blanc of extraordinary purity, depth and precision. The bouquet is intensely expressive, revealing layers of grapefruit, Meyer lemon, white peach and ripe citrus intertwined with acacia blossom, fresh herbs, flint and crushed stones. The palate is both richly textured and electrifyingly fresh, combining remarkable concentration with crystalline acidity and profound mineral tension. Seamless and impeccably balanced, it unfolds through waves of citrus, orchard fruit and delicate smoky complexity before finishing with extraordinary length, salinity and elegance. A benchmark Bordeaux Blanc destined to rank among the greatest wines of the vintage.”

Blend: Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Cabernet Franc (5%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2068

99-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A profound and impeccably refined Haut-Brion that stands among the greatest wines of the vintage. The bouquet is extraordinarily complex, unfolding with layers of cassis, black cherries, ripe plums and violets, complemented by signature notes of graphite, cigar box, warm earth and exotic spices. The palate is seamlessly textured, combining remarkable concentration with precision and freshness. Silky, perfectly integrated tannins frame a core of pure dark fruit and mineral depth, while vibrant acidity provides exceptional energy and balance. The finish is breathtakingly long, nuanced and persistent, showcasing the timeless elegance and extraordinary pedigree of this iconic Pessac-Léognan.”

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (52%), Sémillon (48%)
Drinking Window: 2027-2040

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A vibrant and beautifully composed La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc with remarkable freshness and elegance. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and white peach are complemented by notes of acacia flowers, fresh herbs and crushed stones. The palate is crisp yet generously textured, revealing layers of citrus, orchard fruit and subtle tropical nuances supported by lively acidity and pronounced mineral tension. Seamless and refined, it finishes with exceptional purity, saline energy and lingering floral notes. A sophisticated Bordeaux Blanc that offers both immediate appeal and the capacity to develop additional complexity with age.”

Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (52%), Sémillon (48%)
Drinking Window: 2027-2040

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A vibrant and beautifully composed La Clarté de Haut-Brion Blanc with remarkable freshness and elegance. Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and white peach are complemented by notes of acacia flowers, fresh herbs and crushed stones. The palate is crisp yet generously textured, revealing layers of citrus, orchard fruit and subtle tropical nuances supported by lively acidity and pronounced mineral tension. Seamless and refined, it finishes with exceptional purity, saline energy and lingering floral notes. A sophisticated Bordeaux Blanc that offers both immediate appeal and the capacity to develop additional complexity with age.”

Blend: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Cabernet Franc (6%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2050

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A polished and beautifully expressive Le Clarence de Haut-Brion that reflects the elegance and pedigree of the grand vin. Aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries and plums are layered with notes of graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and refined, offering vibrant dark fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Harmonious and precise, it delivers impressive depth and mineral complexity while remaining approachable in its youth. The finish is long, graceful and persistent, making this an outstanding second wine with excellent aging potential.”

Blend: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Cabernet Franc (6%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2050

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A polished and beautifully expressive Le Clarence de Haut-Brion that reflects the elegance and pedigree of the grand vin. Aromas of blackcurrants, ripe cherries and plums are layered with notes of graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and refined, offering vibrant dark fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Harmonious and precise, it delivers impressive depth and mineral complexity while remaining approachable in its youth. The finish is long, graceful and persistent, making this an outstanding second wine with excellent aging potential.”