Château Haut-Brion 2020

An iconic Classified First Growth with a rich, aromatic palate and a silky touch

The estate

The oldest of the Bordeaux First Classified Growths, Château Haut-Brion boasts a rich legacy built over five centuries of history. Founded in 1533 by Jean de Pontac in the Graves region, the wines of Château Haut-Brion were soon coveted and appreciated by the greatest monarchs of Europe. In 1663, Samuel Pepys, a member of the English Parliament, participated - without knowing it - in the success of Château Haut-Brion, by writing in his diary, "And there, I drank a kind of French wine called Ho-Bryan which had a very particular taste, one I’ve never experienced before... ". And the legend was born. The only First Classified Growth of 1855 not situated in the Médoc and also recognised as a Classified Growth in the Official Wine Classification of the Graves in 1959, Château Haut-Brion continues to contribute to the legendary story of Bordeaux fine wines through vintage after vintage of exceptional wines.

The vineyard

A true gem of the AOC Pessac-Léognan, located in the heart of the Pessac area of the Bordeaux region, Château Haut-Brion boasts an exceptional terroir with soils composed of multicoloured gravel, the source of sumptuous, elegant and precise wines that are incredibly consistent from one vintage to the next.

The vintage

2020 was the third earliest year known to memory at Château Haut-Brion. Winter and spring were mild and humid, encouraging an early vine budding and then an equally early flowering during the spring. The hot and dry climate during the summer slowed growth, allowing for perfectly healthy grapes to ripen slowly at harvest and producing rich wines with a wonderful freshness.

The blend

The Château Haut-Brion 2020 is made of a blend of merlot (42.8%), cabernet sauvignon (39.7%) and cabernet franc (17.5%).

The tasting

Colour

The wine displays a vivid, dark red colour.

Nose

The nose mixes a beautifully complex blend of fresh and spicy notes. At aeration, ripened fruit (though not overly) is established with great precision.

Palate

The attack of great precision precedes a pronounced palate, which is immediately present. The silky touch is combined with an intense, aromatic palate, as well as refined and juicy tannins. With great persistence, the palate reveals the characteristics of the three grape varieties that make up the blend of this great wine with authenticity, precision and flavourful harmony.