2022 Haut Brion
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Ch. Haut-Brion is much more austere than La Mission Haut-Brion, as is typically the case. But, while it is often less charming en primeur, this year it is even tighter and stricter, and is outshone by the exuberance of its sibling. Graphite notes dominate the fruit, in a somewhat unexpected way. On the palate, it is tightly packed yet not revealing much at this stage, although there’s good purity and balance on the long finish. This is surely a Grand Vin, but will need time to be approachable. Aged in 63% new oak. Blend: 53.6% Merlot, 34.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Haut-Brion has a wonderful bouquet with mineral-infused black fruit, cedar and dried violet, the oak exquisitely enmeshed. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, beautifully balanced as the tannins caress the palate. Pitch perfect acidity, bright and energetic, fans out with confidence and brio on the finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
The wine begins with an aromatic display of flowers, cigar box, currants, cherries, smoke, and burning wood, with only a subtle hint of espresso. The palate balances power, intense concentration, and elegance. Fresh, soft, energetic, and silky, the striking purity of the fruits with their smoky edge must be experienced. The seamless finish lingers for 60 seconds or more. It will be interesting for future generations to compare 2022 HB with 2022 LMHB over the coming decades. Regardless of which wine you choose, IMO, they are only 1 point apart, and that\'s today. Tomorrow could be different. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2030-2065.
The 2022 Haut-Brion, which was bottled in May 2024, lives up to the high expectations I had set for it and then some. Revealing a dense, complex and precise bouquet of dark berries, pencil lead, cedar box, rose and spices intertwined with discreet notes of oak, it's full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with a muscular chassis of tannins and an enveloping core of fruit that retains energy and purity, concluding with youthful grip. Given the inherent quality of the terroir, time is likely to be very kind to this vintage, allowing it to integrate and mature gracefully.
About the producer
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.