2015 Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan

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: Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 42%, Cabernet Franc 8%. 70% new barrels. From an analytical point of view, it resembles the 2005 but....it is different! An "exotic" nose that combines the souk with total Pessac Leognan class. All silky cocoa on the palate. So fine-grained. Pure mocha, mixed with red fruit freshness. A finish of cherries picked at the optimum moment. Extremely seductive, with that wow factor of a First and true staying power. Mega-admirable all round. 

Jamie Ritchie: 55% of production. Lovely, fresh, pure black fruit on the nose with fine grained tannin. Very silky and seamless. Juicy, creamy fruit. Great purity and refinement. Finishes with toasty black cherry and tobacco. Excellent length - very persistent. Shows the class and breed of the property. An excellent Haut Brion.