In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 100/100 (LPB). Drinking window: 2027–2070. 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…
Neal Martin (NM) — 96–98/100 · Vinous, 27/05/2021 · Drink 2028 - 2055
The 2020 Haut-Brion was picked September 7'29. It has a more opulent, more precocious bouquet compared directly with its neighbor across the road, resplendent with layers of black cherry, wild strawberry, black olives and a touch of inkwell. Perhaps it displays slightly less mineralit' compared to La Mission Haut-Brion? The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a disarming satiny textur…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 98–100/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 25/05/2021
Unquestionably one of the top wines in this impressive vintage, the 2020 Chateau Haut-Brion checks in as 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all of which will spend 15-18 months in 77% new French oak. Its deep purple color is followed by a thrilling nose of mineral-laced blackcurrants, black raspberries, toast, spice, scorched earth, and graphite. Possessing an…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 98–100/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 21/05/2021 · Drink 2029-2064
The 2020 Haut-Brion is a blend of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.5% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 7th to 29th September, with an estimated alcohol of 15% and a pH of 3.8. Opaque purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with a first wave of vibrant black raspberries, ripe blackberries and mulberries scents, followed by a powerful core of warm cassis, dark chocolate and violets…