Château Haut-Brion 2015

Château Haut-Brion is one of the most prestigious estates in Bordeaux, renowned for producing wines of exceptional depth, complexity, and ageing potential. As the only First Growth classified outside the Médoc in the 1855 Classification, Haut-Brion has a long history of crafting wines that blend power with elegance. The 2015 vintage was an outstanding year in Bordeaux, characterized by a warm and dry growing season with well-timed rainfall that ensured even ripening, producing wines with incredible concentration, balance, and longevity.

Located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves, Château Haut-Brion benefits from its unique terroir of deep gravelly soils mixed with clay, which provides excellent drainage and heat retention. The vineyard is planted with a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with Merlot often playing a more significant role than in other First Growth estates. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for approximately 18-24 months, allowing for seamless integration of fruit and structure while enhancing depth and refinement.

Appearance: Deep, nearly opaque garnet with vibrant ruby reflections. The wine exhibits remarkable density, with a rich, polished hue that hints at its concentration and ageing potential. Swirling reveals slow-moving legs, indicating a full-bodied structure and well-balanced alcohol.

Aroma: A complex and layered bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry, intertwined with notes of tobacco, graphite, and cigar box. Hints of truffle, forest floor, and finely integrated oak add further depth, while delicate floral touches of violet and crushed rose petals bring elegance to the aromatic profile.

Taste: Rich, velvety, and impeccably structured, the palate unfolds with layers of dark fruit, cassis, and black raspberry, supported by finely grained tannins. Subtle elements of cedar, baking spices, and dark chocolate emerge mid-palate, adding to the wine’s refined complexity. The acidity is beautifully integrated, providing freshness and lift while maintaining the wine’s remarkable depth and power.

Finish: Exceptionally long and persistent, with lingering notes of black fruit, mineral undertones, and a touch of smoky oak. The tannins are firm yet polished, ensuring a wine that will continue to evolve and develop further complexity over the next several decades.

Food Pairing: Dry-aged ribeye steak with truffle butter enhances the wine’s rich fruit and structured tannins. Slow-roasted duck breast with a red wine reduction highlights the wine’s depth and earthy complexity, creating a seamless pairing.