2010 Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2010 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
An oenophile's treasure, the 2010 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion epitomises the regal equipoise of Bordeaux's esteemed Pessac-Leognan appellation. Renowned for crafting wines that envelop both soul and senses, Chateau Haut Brion delivered an impeccably balanced vintage in 2010—a year that flourished under harmoniously optimum conditions.
Distinguished Pedigree Meet Favourable Fortuity
The laudable 2010 season was crowned by a propitious blend of climatic serendipity: a modest spring, a resplendent summer and a dry, yet sun-kissed autumn. This trinity conspired to produce grapes of such profundity, resulting in a vintage with an earnest longevity. The 2010 Haut Brion has indeed ascended the pinnacle of investment-worthy clarets.
A Tapestry of Tertiary Complexity
As the years tenderly unfurl the layers of this vintage, we are accosted with an aromatic polymath: smoky whispers of Havana cigars entwined with the scent of wilted violets and blackcurrant. On the palate, it parades a sophisticated spectrum ranging from the mineral nuances reminiscent of the graveled terroir to spiced plums and black olives. Its tannic architecture is astutely woven—an interplay between potency and polish that will graciously evolve through time.
Vintage Veritas: A Vigneron's Vision Realised
There is no doubting the revered craftsmanship implored by Chateau Haut Brion for their 2010 offering; it balances on an edge where potency meets elegance head-on. Transitional notes of forest floor and truffles are already emerging—heralding a pathway into a labyrinth of inexhaustible complexity.
The 2010 Haut Brion, with its structure primed for continued evolution, is unequivocally a commanding presence in any wine investor's portfolio, envisaged likewise by connoisseurs as a sensory journey worth embarking.
Seize the opportunity to immerse oneself in the grand narrative of the 2010 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion—an opus where each sip narrates its own storied chapter in the annals of fine wine.
Market price (GBP)
£6,200.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
310
Scores and tasting notes
As for the 2010 Haut-Brion, it does not have the power of Latour's 2010 or the intense lead pencil shavings and chocolaty component of Lafite-Rothschild, but it is extraordinary, perfect wine. It has a slightly lower pH than the 2009 (3.7 versus the 2009's 3.8), and even higher alcohol than the 2009 (14.6%). The wine is ethereal. From its dense purple color to its incredibly subtle but striking aromatics that build incrementally, offering up a spectacular smorgasbord of aromas ranging from charcoal and camphor to black currant and blueberry liqueur and spring flowers, this wine's finesse, elegant yet noble power and authority come through in a compelling fashion. It is full-bodied, but that's only apparent in the aftertaste, as the wine seems to float across the palate with remarkable sweetness, harmony, and the integration of all its component parts – alcohol, tannin, acidity, wood, etc. This prodigious Haut-Brion is hard to compare to another vintage, at least right now, but it should have 50 to 75 years of aging potential. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2065+. Kudos to the team at Haut-Brion and to the proprietors, the Dillon family, who are now represented admirably and meticulously by Prince Robert of Luxembourg. He has made some changes, and all of them seem to have resulted in dramatic improvements to what was already an astonishing group of wines.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Haut-Brion charges out of the gate with exuberant notes of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and baked plums followed by nuances of dark chocolate, licorice and cloves. Full-bodied, the palate has lots of subtle earth and mineral accents with a firm, finely grained texture and great freshness lifting the long finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 5 March 2020
This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
Tasted at Chateau Haut-Brion. The first impression is that the aromatics upon the Haut-Brion almost cower compared directly against the ebullient, vivacious La Mission. It is probably an unfair comparison. Over time in the glass, it unfurls a little to reveal understated mineral-rich black fruit, tar and cigar box aromas. After 30 minutes and interchanging with an empty glass, it really opens up with hints of black olive and sea foam. The palate is very refined: a real class act. The tannins are fine but firm, initially a little austere and bashful but opening to reveal a sensual Haut Brion with just a touch of leafiness, allied with sublime freshness and delineation. It is keeping its secrets close to its chest at the moment, although the finish is very persistent and focused. It will require a decade cellaring. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013