In Bond Fine Wine. 2010 Château Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 1x300cl. Top critic score: 100/100 (RP). Drinking window: 2024–2075. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Haut Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most revered names - historically significant, stylistically singular, and consistently among the region’s finest wines. Classified as a First Growth in 1855 and uniquely located within the Pessac commune (now part of Pessac-Leognan), Haut Brion stands apart from its Left Bank peers both geographically and in character. The estate dates back to the 16th century and was the first Bordeaux wine to gain international acclaim, famously praised by Samuel Pepys in 1663. Owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon since 1935, Haut Brion’s 51 hectares of red grape vineyards (plus 2.5 ha for white wine) are planted to approx.. 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc—Haut Brion is known for its deep, earthy complexity and aromatics, layered refinement. polished tannins and remarkable ageing potential. Haut Brion Blanc is among the world’s most disti…
Albany Vintners (AV) — 97–99/100 · -, 28/04/2011
57%CS, 23%M, 20%CF. Complex nose that continues to unfurl. High-toned with plenty of lift. Red berries, smoke, minerals and menthol. So much packed in here with the texture of silk. Creamy and voluptuous with an incredible finish. Exceptional breadth and depth while La Mission seems more linear in comparison.
Neal Martin (NM) — 96–98/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 22/04/2011
A blend of 23% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, this has a quintessential Haut-Brion nose with that trait of fresh black olives defining the nose straight out of the blocks. It is a little less opulent than La Mission but with slightly better clarity at this stage. The palate displays very fine, succulent tannins and like the La Mission there is a Pauillac-like personality t…
Jane Anson (JA) — 100/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 2024-10-10 · Drink 2024-2050
Intense and concentrated blackberry and cassis fruits, with olive tapenade and sweet red liquorice. This is muscular and opulent, seriously structured but with beautiful black truffle and squid ink notes that I find more usually in vintages like 2010 or 2016 - a suggestion of truly ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. The generosity of the vintage comes through in cinnamon and cumin spice, overlaid with ince…