2010 Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan

Representative blend: 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. The second wine is Clarence de Haut Brion (previously Bahans Haut Brion).

Haut Brion is sited across the road from its sister property, La Mission Haut Brion. Both are within the southern suburbs of the city of Bordeaux, and surrounded by development on all sides. It is in part this very specific (and quite warm) microclimate which gives Haut Brion its unique taste - Havana tobacco, earth and spice. It can also be the most velvety and seductive of all the first growths, and to some extent remains underappreciated for its myriad subtleties and beauties.

Haut Brion has been owned by the American Clarence Dillon family since the 1930s.

Tasting Note

Serena Sutcliffe, MW: Cabernet Sauvignon 57%, Merlot 23%, Cabernet Franc 20% - this is the lowest percentage of Merlot here. Great aromatic red fruit on the nose with delicious spiciness. This has a huge tannin cover to it. Leather, cedarwood and wood embers on the palate. Chewy and classic and with total balance and nobility. 04/11

Jamie Ritchie: Sleek, glossy and very stylish. Has immediate impact and class. All enveloping nose - already multilayered. Wonderfully rich and concentrated with smoke and spice. Has combination of power, breed, concentration, richness and finesse, with enormous length. Outstanding. This is very classic and very classy Haut Brion. 04/11