Château Haut-Brion 2019

The is very refined and elegant with a fine-tannined line running through the center of the palate. It’s very intense and precise. Full-bodied with great, tight fruit. This is subtle and complex, then it opens on the palate and shows incredible depth and intensity. Great length, going on and on for minutes.

Pourpre violacé. Merveilleux ce bouquet ! Il met tant en valeur la complexité et la délicatesse de Haut-Brion au travers d’un caractère floral, fruité et épicé. Ainsi, je relève des effluves de myrtilles, de cassis et de pivoines. Viennent s’y ajouter des nuances de poivre de Sichuan, de thym et de feuilles de tabac. Caractère compact en bouche. Le vin a du tempérament, des tannins aux grains et une belle expression aromatique qui reflète les caractéristiques olfactives. Un Haut-Brion qui se distingue par sa force tranquille et par cette manière subtile de révéler sa puissance, son ampleur. Une très belle réussite. 2026-2049.

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.