Château Haut-Brion 2019 [Futures]

• Domaine: Château Haut-Brion
• Appellation: Pessac-Léognan
• Classification: First Growth, Premier Grand Cru Classé
• Origin: Left Bank, Bordeaux, France
• Importer: Laguna Cellar

Château Haut-Brion is a superb wine among the First Growths. It was the only wine not from Médoc, but instead from Graves area when Originlly listed among the Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855. It was also on the inaugural list of Grand Cru Classé de Graves in 1959.  In 1987, when Pessac-Léognan was carved out of Graves as an independent AOC, Haut-Brion became a member of Pessac-Léognan.  However, people continue to interchangeably identify Haut-Brion as both Graves and Pessac-Léognan.

Tasting Notes

"The 2019 Haut-Brion is a blend of 48.7% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.1% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 14.5%. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, it comes off incredibly shy and reticent to begin, needing considerable coaxing to reveal notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry preserves, woodsmoke and sandalwood, before launching into a full-scale fireworks display of iron ore, cumin seed, redcurrant jelly, red roses, oolong tea and Sichuan pepper scents plus a waft of cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers the most exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins with a lively backbone of freshness supporting the tightly wound, earth-laced black fruit layers, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of the most finely structured, tightly knit wines of the vintage. Given time, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it goes atomic and eventually takes top place for the vintage." - Lisa Perotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (6/10/2020, Bordeaux 2019 Issue), Rating: (97-99)+