2018 Haut Brion
By Chateau Haut Brion
2018 Haut Brion from Chateau Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
The 2018 vintage at Pessac-Léognan was one blessed with the quintessence of a fine Bordeaux, and no more so than in the oasis of excellence that is Chateau Haut Brion. The year transpired as one of contrasts, with an initial bout of climatic instability that eventually gave way to a glorious summer, fostering the conditions under which the vineyards of Haut Brion could surrender their finest yield in years.
An Exemplar of Elegance and Poise
The 2018 Haut Brion emerges, not merely as a survivor of tumultuous weather, but thrives as a testament to meticulous viticulture and adept winemaking. A medley of predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc lends this wine its complex framework—one that promenades with the grace of dark fruits, accentuated by an enchanting ensemble of smokey hints and subtle spices.
Though many a Bordeaux has vied for attention in 2018, Haut Brion distinguishes itself with an undeniable finesse; its tannic structure robust yet refined, much like the polished oak in which it matures. The palate encounters a harmonious balance of vivid acidity and a velvety texture that speaks to its excellent longevity.
Investment-worthy Provenance
As investors seek out not just the finest wines but those with provenance and potential for appreciation, the 2018 Haut Brion stands out as an astute choice for any diversified portfolio. Its sophistication lies in its innate ability to capture the essence of Bordeaux's terroir—a true maverick amongst its peers.
In sum, the 2018 Haut Brion exemplifies all that is sought by connoisseurs and collectors alike: complexity, balance, and the enduring seduction of a well-crafted Bordeaux. This particular wine not only bears the pedigree of Chateau Haut Brion but also embodies the narrative of a vintage where nature’s capricious whims were deftly navigated to produce a wine that captivates and secures its place as a wise investment for years to come.
Market price (USD)
$4,970.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
203.5
Scores and tasting notes
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. This is a profound, highly intellectual, multilayered baby, which will require a good 7-8 years to begin to sing its incredible song, then should cellar a further 40 years at least. By way of reference, think 1989 with more restraint and even greater purity.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The length and texture to this wine is so very impressive. It’s not so much the sheer power that is impressive here, rather the form, tension and exquisite form that the abundant, fine-grained tannins provide. It lasts for minutes on the palate. A classic beauty in the making.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
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. Harvested 6 September to 2 October, yielding 44hl/ha. 3.8pH. IPT72 - the same level as 2015, but it was a little higher in 2010 and 2009.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Haut-Brion is a blend of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc, harvested September 6 to October 2. Deep purple-black in color, it is much more closed than the La Mission. It holds back for the first few minutes, reticent to reveal what slowly uncoils to give wave after wave of exotic spices—cardamom, cassis, star anise and fenugreek—over an opulent core of red roses, Black Forest cake, warm cassis and black raspberries with nuances of cigar box, crushed rocks, truffles, tilled black soil, iron ore and smoked meats. The full-bodied palate is truly profound, with restrained black fruit and spice layers slowly offering mineral sparks and savory suggestions within a rock-solid frame of firm, super fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. This will take longer to come around than the La Mission, but it will be well worth the wait.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Haut-Brion is a regal wine. Creamy, soft and inviting, the 2018 is one of the more open-knit young Haut-Brions I can remember tasting. Cedar, tobacco, smoke, licorice, grilled herbs, leather and menthol are nicely layered in the glass. In 2018, Haut-Brion is almost shockingly elegant at this very early stage. There is plenty of tannin, but it is totally woven into the wine's fabric. In 2018, the blend is 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019