Château Haut-Brion 2018

Château Haut-Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates, consistently producing wines of extraordinary depth, complexity, and longevity. As the only First Growth outside the Médoc in the 1855 Classification, Haut-Brion is renowned for its signature combination of power and finesse. The 2018 vintage was marked by a challenging start, with heavy rains in the spring, followed by a hot and dry summer that resulted in perfectly ripened grapes. The result is a rich, structured, and deeply expressive wine with exceptional balance and ageing potential.

Located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves, Château Haut-Brion benefits from its distinctive deep gravel and clay soils, which provide excellent drainage and promote slow, even ripening. The vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with Merlot often playing a more dominant role than in other First Growth estates. The wine is aged for approximately 18-24 months in new French oak barrels, allowing for seamless integration of fruit, tannin, and oak while enhancing its complexity.

Appearance: Deep, nearly opaque garnet with violet and ruby reflections. The wine’s density suggests exceptional concentration, with slow-moving, well-defined legs indicating a full-bodied structure and impressive ageing potential.

Aroma: An intense and layered bouquet opens with ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, and blueberry, followed by complex notes of graphite, cigar box, and finely integrated oak. Hints of truffle, dark chocolate, and crushed violets emerge with aeration, while subtle traces of liquorice and roasted coffee add further depth and refinement.

Taste: Opulent and richly textured, the palate showcases layers of ripe black fruit, including cassis, black cherry, and mulberry, intertwined with savoury tobacco, spice, and crushed stone minerality. The tannins are bold yet polished, providing structure without overwhelming the wine’s freshness. The mid-palate reveals hints of dark cocoa, cedar, and sweet baking spices, creating a harmonious and long-lasting impression.

Finish: Exceptionally long and refined, with lingering notes of dark fruit, graphite, and a touch of saline minerality. The tannins provide a velvety yet firm grip, ensuring remarkable cellaring potential for decades to come. The wine’s depth, elegance, and balance make it a standout among recent Haut-Brion vintages.

Food Pairing: Dry-aged ribeye steak with black truffle butter enhances the wine’s bold tannins and deep fruit character. Roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic pairs beautifully, complementing its savoury complexity and layered structure.