Buying options

Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 17.5/20 · Drink 2028-2048, Jancis Robinson MW, Jan 2022

Tasted blind. Paler than most of its peers. Sweet, neat start with some fresh minerality. And some pretty dry tannins on the end. (JR)

Critic scores

Critic scores
98
98/100

Average Score

99
98-99/100

James Suckling

98
97-99/100

Jeb Dunnuck

More reviews and scores

16.5 points
Jancis Robinson MW
Score 16.5/20 · Drink 2023-2030, Jancis Robinson MW, Jan 2022

Diam closure. Light, definitely smoky nose. Something quite rich and well-balanced on the palate. Pretty smart. A success – certainly in terms of balance. Persistent. (JR)

98 points
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Score 98/100 · Drink 2028-2048, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, Sep 2021

Fourth generation of the Dillon family at Haut-Brion today, overseeing the extremely challening act of keeping a First Growth at the top of its game. This is laying down the gauntlet - powerfully built, complex and succulent layers of tight black fruits and grilled oak, overlaid with charcoal, cloves, tobacco, slate, sage and smoked earth, nuanced and unwilling to show its hand too soon. Needs a good five to eight years more, and will age for decades. Harvested 6 September to 2 October, yields 44hl/ha. 3.8pH. IPT72

100 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Score 100/100 · Drink 2028-2068, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, Mar 2021

The 2018 Haut-Brion is composed of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine needs a lot of swirling before it begins to release a whole complex melody of notes, one at a time to begin: tilled earth, followed by pronounced licorice, then crushed rocks, then the preserved plums. Eventually, it all comes together into a fascinating crescendo of intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch notes, giving way to quiet, persistent leitmotif scents of cinnamon stick, truffles and redcurrant jelly. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers all this and more, revealing tightly wound black fruit, red berry and exotic spice layers within a solid, wonderfully plush frame and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth and mineral sparks. This is a profound, highly intellectual, multilayered baby, which will require a good 7-8 years to begin to sing its incredible song, then should cellar a further 40 years at least. By way of reference, think 1989 with more restraint and even greater purity.

About the producer

Château Haut-Brion 1:1
Haut Brion

Ch. Haut-Brion is the only classified growth in Pessac-Léognan. One of the five First Growths, it is renowned for producing both exceptional reds and whites. Along with its sister estate, Ch. la Mission Haut-Brion, it is part of the Clarence Dillon stable.

View Producer

Product details

Grape Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

Alcohol ABV%

14%

Classification

Premier Grand Cru Classé

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