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

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

The blend of this premier wine contains slightly more Merlot (53.6%) than in recent years—a designation that suits it perfectly in this exceptionally concentrated vintage. Still somewhat reserved but deep, the aromas unfold slowly: ripe black fruits, light spices, a fireplace hearth, 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, lingering on licorice. A “truly great wine,” balancing power and freshness, still showing its typical reserve at this stage, with a brilliant future ahead. 2032–2050

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

“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 undoubtedly the earliest-ripening in the appellation, and the grapes ripen perfectly here, yielding a full-bodied, rich wine that develops inimitable smoky notes as it ages. 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.”

Vinous

About the wine:

Haut-Brion 2022 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. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, offering more substance and a bit more grip than La Mission Haut-Brion 2022. Alternating between the two, I am 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

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

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 is 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

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

From the very first whiff, the wine commands attention with its gravitas 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 accents of graphite. On the palate, it reveals immense, concentrated depth, like a taut spring ready to release. Spices tickle the inside of the cheeks, then the wine unfolds 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

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

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, with tight tannins adding to its firmness. The smoothness is there, with notes of lilac, juniper, and wild cherry pulp, hinting at its future flavor profile. Class and elegance—that’s Haut-Brion!

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The freshness and precision evident from the very first sip 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 palate, 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, with perfectly integrated tannins that not only provide structure but also impart extraordinary freshness while carefully extending the finish. Undoubtedly one of the vintage’s greatest successes! 2029–2072

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

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, silky 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 seamlessly for 60 seconds, or even longer. 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 best that Haut-Brion has ever produced. If you are a Haut-Brion enthusiast and have sufficient means, you won’t want to miss out on this future legend. 2030–2065.