Chateau Haut Brion 2018 Pessac-Leognan, Premier Grand Cru Classe
Item Number: 11 10 371 18
Chateau Haut Brion 2018 Pessac-Leognan, Premier Grand Cru Classe
100 Point 2018 Vintage of the quintessential Chateau Haut Brion
Quick Taste
- 100 Points!
- Unquestionably a very fine Haut-Brion!
- "fascinating crescendo of intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch notes"
- Limited quantities available!
About Chateau Haut Brion 2018 Pessac-Leognan, Premier Grand Cru Classe
Château Haut-Brion's history dates back to when the first vines appeared on the gravel hillsides in 1521. Considered the first luxury wine brand in the world, Haut-Brion obtained the rare distinction of Premier Grand Cru Classé (Classified First Growth) in the 1855 classification, the only wine not in the Médoc to receive this prestigious title.
Clarence Dillon purchased the estate in 1935, and maintained it's status in the elite circle of the most legendary wines in the world. Now the fourth generation of the family, represented by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Chairman and CEO since 2008 continues the tradition with state-of-the-art modernization to what is the oldest winegrowing property in the region of Pessac-Leognan.
Harvest Dates: From the 6th of September to the 2nd of October
Blend: Merlot 49.4%, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored this wine a perfect 100 points saying “The 2018 Haut-Brion is composed of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine needs a lot of swirling before it begins to release a whole complex melody of notes, one at a time to begin: tilled earth, followed by pronounced licorice, then crushed rocks, then the preserved plums. Eventually, it all comes together into a fascinating crescendo of intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch notes, giving way to quiet, persistent leitmotif scents of cinnamon stick, truffles and redcurrant jelly. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers all this and more, revealing tightly wound black fruit, red berry and exotic spice layers within a solid, wonderfully plush frame and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth and mineral sparks.”
James Suckling gave this wine a score of 99 points saying “Aromas of currants, leaves, fresh mushrooms, oyster shell, tobacco, and dried flowers, following through to a full body, yet ever so refined and polished and it grows on the palate. Lovely, energetic finish. Subtle and driven at the end of the palate. Drink in 2026 and onwards.”
Decanter scored this from barrel 98 points saying “A beautiful Haut-Brion that combines generosity and elegance. It's rich, and velvety, with a vibrant ruby rim, all conveying structure and a sense of power. The flavour floods in through the mid-palate, displaying wonderfully vibrant blackberry, blueberry, slate, touches of blond tobacco, freshly cut herbs and exotic spicing. You can feel in the texture that it's a warm year, not holding back. It's powerful but elegant and unforced at the same time, with some brambled edges that give a welcome sense of acidity and a touch of bitterness."
Wine Enthusiast gave this from barrel 96-98 points saying “This wine has an immense structure that's powered by tannins, yet backed by a dry core and bright acidity. The black currant flavor is very fine and concentrated while also having a juicy freshness that marks the vintage. It has all the structure that should be expected from this estate.
Jeb Dunnuck gave this wine 98 points saying “A quintessential expression of this terroir, the 2018 Château Haut-Brion checks in as 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Ripe and sexy, yet also offering subtle aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco leaf, truffle, lead pencil, and minerals, it takes its time opening up but reveals a full-bodied, concentrated, multi-layered style carrying gorgeous tannins, flawless balance, and just a wonderful symmetry and elegance paired with beautiful richness. This noble, gorgeous Haut-Brion will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and cruise for 40 years or so.”
Wine Spectator with a score of 98 points said “Waves of cassis, cherry puree and blackberry paste roll through in this showstopper, with notes of tea, sandalwood, iron and anise providing an entourage for the fruit. A subtle warm earth accent underscores the finish without intruding on the texture. A large-scaled yet eminently refined wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2045.”
Clarence Dillon purchased the estate in 1935, and maintained it's status in the elite circle of the most legendary wines in the world. Now the fourth generation of the family, represented by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Chairman and CEO since 2008 continues the tradition with state-of-the-art modernization to what is the oldest winegrowing property in the region of Pessac-Leognan.
Harvest Dates: From the 6th of September to the 2nd of October
Blend: Merlot 49.4%, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored this wine a perfect 100 points saying “The 2018 Haut-Brion is composed of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine needs a lot of swirling before it begins to release a whole complex melody of notes, one at a time to begin: tilled earth, followed by pronounced licorice, then crushed rocks, then the preserved plums. Eventually, it all comes together into a fascinating crescendo of intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch notes, giving way to quiet, persistent leitmotif scents of cinnamon stick, truffles and redcurrant jelly. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers all this and more, revealing tightly wound black fruit, red berry and exotic spice layers within a solid, wonderfully plush frame and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth and mineral sparks.”
James Suckling gave this wine a score of 99 points saying “Aromas of currants, leaves, fresh mushrooms, oyster shell, tobacco, and dried flowers, following through to a full body, yet ever so refined and polished and it grows on the palate. Lovely, energetic finish. Subtle and driven at the end of the palate. Drink in 2026 and onwards.”
Decanter scored this from barrel 98 points saying “A beautiful Haut-Brion that combines generosity and elegance. It's rich, and velvety, with a vibrant ruby rim, all conveying structure and a sense of power. The flavour floods in through the mid-palate, displaying wonderfully vibrant blackberry, blueberry, slate, touches of blond tobacco, freshly cut herbs and exotic spicing. You can feel in the texture that it's a warm year, not holding back. It's powerful but elegant and unforced at the same time, with some brambled edges that give a welcome sense of acidity and a touch of bitterness."
Wine Enthusiast gave this from barrel 96-98 points saying “This wine has an immense structure that's powered by tannins, yet backed by a dry core and bright acidity. The black currant flavor is very fine and concentrated while also having a juicy freshness that marks the vintage. It has all the structure that should be expected from this estate.
Jeb Dunnuck gave this wine 98 points saying “A quintessential expression of this terroir, the 2018 Château Haut-Brion checks in as 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Ripe and sexy, yet also offering subtle aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco leaf, truffle, lead pencil, and minerals, it takes its time opening up but reveals a full-bodied, concentrated, multi-layered style carrying gorgeous tannins, flawless balance, and just a wonderful symmetry and elegance paired with beautiful richness. This noble, gorgeous Haut-Brion will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and cruise for 40 years or so.”
Wine Spectator with a score of 98 points said “Waves of cassis, cherry puree and blackberry paste roll through in this showstopper, with notes of tea, sandalwood, iron and anise providing an entourage for the fruit. A subtle warm earth accent underscores the finish without intruding on the texture. A large-scaled yet eminently refined wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2045.”
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.0%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country France
- Region Bordeaux
- Appellation Pessac-Leognan
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