2019 Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan

Winemaker Notes: The wine is a superb, deep purple-red color. The first nose is at once intense and subtle. It has a ripe fruitiness, and swirling brings out its aromatic complexity. The first expression is incredibly smooth and delicate, expanding and filling the palate without ever “flexing its muscles”. The tannins are precise but not aggressive, and subtly enchanting. The finish is long and fragrant. Once again, Haut-Brion surprises for its ability to enhance the complementarity of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This Haut-Brion 2019 vintage is one of the most successful vintages produced after a hot and dry summer. This fine wine has the structure of a 2005, with the freshness of a 2010. A modern, richer version of the 1990 vintage.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "Compared to the La Mission Haut-Brion, the 2019 Château Haut-Brion is more backward and mineral-laced, with a dense purple color as well as notes of blueberry liqueur, black cherries, new leather, scorched earth, graphite, camphor, liquid rock-like minerality, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. It doesn't have the overt power of Mouton, nor the sexiness of Château Margaux, yet it builds slowly and incrementally, with flawless balance, full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and a magical finish. My money is on this being one of the all-time greats from this address, in the same league as the 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, and 2018. It will need a solid decade of cellaring and have 40-50+ years of prime drinking. Barrel Sample: 98-100"


James Suckling - "The is very refined and elegant with a fine-tannined line running through the center of the palate. It’s very intense and precise. Full-bodied with great, tight fruit. This is subtle and complex, then it opens on the palate and shows incredible depth and intensity. Great length, going on and on for minutes. Barrel Sample: 99-100"


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2019 Haut-Brion is a blend of 48.7% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.1% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 14.5%. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, it comes off incredibly shy and reticent to begin, needing considerable coaxing to reveal notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry preserves, woodsmoke and sandalwood, before launching into a full-scale fireworks display of iron ore, cumin seed, redcurrant jelly, red roses, oolong tea and Sichuan pepper scents plus a waft of cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers the most exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins with a lively backbone of freshness supporting the tightly wound, earth-laced black fruit layers, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of the most finely structured, tightly knit wines of the vintage. Given time, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it goes atomic and eventually takes top place for the vintage. Barrel Sample: (97-99)+"


Vinous - "The 2019 Haut-Brion is seriously impressive. A dark, virile wine, the 2019 impresses with its vertical energy and statuesque elegance. It's a Haut-Brion that will only reveal itself over many years. Today, the density and resonance are super-impressive and also hugely promising. Classic savory and mineral notes start to emerge over time. I can't wait to see how this ages."


Decanter - "Powerful and confident, there is no mistaking this concentration of ripe damson and black cherry fruits, set against coffee, earth, sage and black chocolate. Tons of tannins on display but extremely fine, to the point that you almost don't notice them, then once the wine has left your mouth you suddenly realize how many there are, and how they are still exerting a pressure. Great persistency, slowing everything down and asking you to stop and think. Clear ageing ability here. Harvest September 10 to October 3. Barrel Sample: 97"


Wine Enthusiast - "The richness of the Sauvignon Blanc in this wine is outstanding. Combined with a tight mineral texture and the purity of the fruits, the wine is on the cusp of something seriously great. It will certainly age over many years. Barrel Sample: 96-98"


Wine Spectator - "A beauty, with a remarkably refined feel from start to finish, as the caressing but substantial structure lets waves of steeped plum, mulled raspberry and blackberry preserve roll through repeatedly, picking up singed alder and apple wood, dried anise and sweet tobacco accents through the finish, where a curl of woodsmoke lingers. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2038."