Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - 1er Grand Cru Classé

Haut-Brion 2020 (43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 17% Cabernet Franc) more than lives up to its high standing—and then some. Clothed in a dark yet brilliant hue, it reveals a nose of rare complexity: cappuccino, wilted rose, pepper, a hint of mint, perfectly ripe black fruits, and a touch of smokiness… From the very first sip, it asserts its robust presence without reservation—with strength and poise, yet without any harshness—carried by tannins that are firm, precise, and refined, crowned by an immense finish brimming with mineral freshness and stony undertones. A true master. 2030–2050

The 2020 Haut-Brion is more expressive aromatically than La Mission Haut-Brion, bursting with aromas of blackberry and raspberry intermingled with notes of licorice, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, and beautifully integrated new oak. Full-bodied, expansive, and fleshy, it is rich and layered, with an enveloping core of fruit encircled by abundant soft, powdery tannins. Despite having an alcohol content similar to that of the 2019, its more granular tannic profile tempers the vintage’s sweet fruit and lends the wine more classic proportions and structure. 2030–2065

 

“As the only estate outside the Médoc to have been included in the 1855 classification, Château Haut-Brion has a second distinctive feature: it is completely surrounded by the town. Its terroir is certainly the earliest-ripening in the appellation, and the grapes ripen perfectly here, yielding a full-bodied, rich wine that, as it ages, develops inimitable smoky notes. After a brief period that seemed less impressive to us (2000–2005), the estate has just produced three outstanding vintages, including a 2009 that promises to be legendary and an even more aristocratic 2010.”

I wrapped up my journey through the Bordeaux region with the 2020 Château Haut-Brion, and it was certainly a fitting finale. Displaying a deep ruby-plum hue, the 2020 offers extraordinary aromas of ripe black fruit, scorched earth, a cold fireplace, and acacia blossoms. On the palate, this structured, full-bodied, and intensely concentrated Pessac builds gradually, with ultra-fine tannins, a deep and layered mid-palate, and a very long finish. Richer and more concentrated than the 2018 and 2019 vintages (it shares some similarities with the 2010), this wine is a legend in the making. The blend consists of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remainder Cabernet Franc. All these wines will spend 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 77% of which are new. Cellar the bottles for a decade, and it should continue to evolve for 50 to 75 years. 2033–2093

In the neck-and-neck race between Mission and Haut-Brion—which are part of the same family, and thus more like brothers than enemies—the contest is often close. The question, in fact, is no longer really which is the best, but which best expresses itself in a way that is true to its nature and personality. In this regard, Haut-Brion seems to me to be more true to form. Its keen attention to detail is evident from the very first aromas, while the palate immediately displays remarkable fullness, supported by its tannic structure and a subtle bitterness that enhances the aromatic expression of the finish. An imposing wine that shows great aging potential. This is a Haut-Brion that is more linear than rounded, with an impressive aromatic persistence. It is truly great, and all signs point to a score that will eventually reach three digits! 2027–2050

Concentrated, deep, creamy, supple, long, and intense, this wine is brimming with notes of flowers, spices, chocolate, black cherries, plums, porcini mushrooms, tobacco leaves, and white pepper. On the palate, there is a slight warmth, but what stands out most are the many layers of perfectly ripe, sweet, and rich fruit that roll across the tongue and coat the palate. The wine has great depth of flavor, length, and endless waves of black and dark red fruit, culminating in a hint of crushed limestone on the finish. The wine is composed of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 17.5% Cabernet Franc, with an alcohol content of 15%. 2030–2060

Dark ruby garnet with violet highlights, a deep core, and a delicately lighter rim. Dark wild berries, a hint of fine oak, ripe cherries, delicate floral notes and hints of candied purple fruits, mild tobacco, a very inviting bouquet. Complex, juicy, with a red-berry texture, well-integrated, ripe tannins, a subtle sweetness on the finish; it already seems very at ease with itself, with great length—an excellent dining companion with a promising future. 2025–2065