Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan rouge 2022 - 1er Grand Cru Classé

The blend of this grand vin contains slightly more Merlot (53.6%) than in recent years—a designation that suits it very well in this exceptionally concentrated vintage. Still somewhat reserved but deep, the aromas unfold slowly: ripe black fruits, light spices, a hint of a fireplace, and roasted notes. Very broad on the attack, very dense, with a strikingly smooth texture, the palate tightens quickly under the influence of firm yet velvety tannins, which relax into a long, fresh finish that lingers on notes of licorice. A “truly great wine,” balancing power and freshness, still showing its usual reserve at this stage, with a promising future ahead. 2032–2050

 

“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, producing 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.”

The 2022 Haut-Brion retains captivating floral aromas on the nose, with notes of peony, violet, and plenty of incense that blend with intense fruitiness of blackberry and blueberry. It opens up in the glass over the course of 10 minutes and only then reveals its underlying minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with supple tannins, offering more substance and a bit more structure than La Mission Haut-Brion 2022. Tasting them side by side, I’m more drawn to the Premier Cru, whose finish offers greater complexity and precision. This is a magnificent Haut-Brion for the years to come. 2030–2065

The estate’s flagship wine, the 2022 Château Haut-Brion, is made from 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc. Its color is slightly deeper than that of its sibling, La Mission Haut-Brion, and its style is slightly firmer and more masculine, with flavors of smoky blackcurrant, burnt earth, graphite, violet, and tobacco. Equally delightful on the palate, this Haut-Brion—with exceptional complexity and fluidity—offers medium-bodied to full-bodied richness, sensational purity, and exceptional multidimensional depth, along with tannins that are both robust and polished, and an incredible finish. It deserves at least a decade of aging (it’s already very enjoyable today), and I believe it will continue to evolve for 50 to 75 years, or even longer, given its balance, concentration, and structure. 2035–2110

From the very first whiff, the wine commands attention with its seriousness and remarkable finesse, like a rider on a hunting horse in the middle of a forest, his mount crushing wild berries beneath its galloping hooves. Aromas of the forest floor rise up, mingled with subtle notes of sap. Gradually, the wine settles, revealing calmer hints of graphite. On the palate, it reveals immense, concentrated depth, like a taut spring ready to release its energy. Spices tickle the inside of the cheeks, then the wine takes on a second life after tasting: a burst of sandalwood, mocha, and an extra touch of spice. A wine of exceptional length, which will require time to express its full majesty. 2030–2060

Substance and balance—that’s what defines this 2022. While the bouquet is a bit reserved at the time of tasting, the structure is impressive, and the tight tannins add to its firmness. The smoothness is evident, with notes of lilac, juniper, and wild strawberry pulp—a glimpse of its future flavor profile. Distinctive and elegant—that’s Haut-Brion!

The freshness and precision evident from the very start set the tone! They lay the groundwork masterfully and serenely, with a wealth of nuances dedicated to subtlety and high definition. Dense and refined on the attack, the wine reveals itself with an unlikely serenity. It is powerful, deep, lucid, and fully aware of its capabilities. Thus, it settles in comfortably and is carried by a quiet strength and perfectly integrated tannins that not only provide a solid foundation but also impart extraordinary freshness while carefully extending the finish. Undoubtedly one of the vintage’s greatest successes! 2029–2072

Imagine walking into a flower show with a basket of fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar—and while that might not be entirely politically correct, it captures the aromatic profile of this wine. On the palate, the wine is fresh, vibrant, lively, spicy, and floral. It is refined, delicate, and silky, with a refreshing, velvety hint of fruit on the finish. This wine is pure elegance. Nothing stands between you and the fruit. There is intensity, length, and striking purity. The wine lingers smoothly for 60 seconds or more. The harvest took place from August 29 to September 15. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare, and 50% of the harvest was allocated to the Grand Vin. It is not only in the running for the title of best wine of the vintage; it is one of the finest wines Haut-Brion has ever produced. If you’re a Haut-Brion enthusiast with sufficient means, you won’t want to miss out on this future legend. 2030–2065.