In Bond Fine Wine. 2014 Château Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Drinking window: 2024–2050. 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…
James Suckling (JS) — 95–96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 27/03/2015
Dense and tight now with blackberries, blueberries, iodine, minerals and currants. Full-bodied, firm and closed, yet there's a persistence and length that is most impressive. Polished and very classy.
Jancis Robinson MW (JR) — 17–18/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 21/04/2015 · Drink 2025-2042
Mid to deep crimson. Not very forthcoming on the nose. Broad burly flavours on the palate, very much in the baked-brick spectrum. Well-managed tannins and in this wine the acidity is not especially marked. But it's no charmer. Very dry on the end. 14.25% (17.5+ Points)
Neal Martin (NM) — 93/100 · Vinous, 2024-03-19 · Drink 2024-2050
The 2014 Haut-Brion is moving into its drinking plateau on the nose, which is now entirely open. Tertiary red fruit mixes with fennel, iron filings and a touch of Moroccan spice. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. It's a little sweeter and, as I commented before, a little medicinal in style, with hints of aniseed developing towards the finish. This is a mellow…