Château Haut Brion, 1er Cru Classé, Pessac Léognan, 2021
We still haven't tasted the Clarence Dillon 2019s and 2020s. They were one of the few estates not to send samples during lockdown. How we've missed their wines. The 2021 range is superb both for reds and whites, with La Mission and Haut Brion amongst our favourite wines of the vintage. Quite introspective but totally alluring. With aeration notes of violets and pure seductive fruits emerge; taut and zesty on the palate then a complex stoniness that's quite strict in a classy way. Very fine, detailed fruit with a touch of blood orange peel, then some density on the palate, dark gravelly cassis with cranberry. The tannins are superb. Wonderful line and energy. All control and composure, nothing exuberant, this is strict and correct, athletic and virile. Relatively impenetrable at this stage, but clearly has a wonderful future ahead. Excellent. 50.3% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.7% Cabernet Franc, 73% new oak.
critic reviews
The 2021 Haut-Brion is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, the nose slowly awakens to reveal notes of cassis, kirsch, and juicy plums, followed by suggestions of dark chocolate, clove oil, iron ore, and garrigue. Medium-bodied, a great intensity of black and red berry flavors gradually grows in the mouth, structured with taut, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing on a lingering, fragrant earth note.
Stricter than the Mission at this early stage, with clear distiction, well balanced with grip and confidence, smoked black pepper, cloves, fennel, slate, rose stems, blackberry and cassis fruit, sculpted and concentrated. Exceptionally impressive with a clear rise from start to finish of the palate, building layers that will take it through the decades, and this is a wine to look forward to enjoying over decades to come. Harvest September 13 to October 8, with no Petit Verdot used this year. 73% new oak.
The 2021 Haut-Brion has a very pure bouquet, quite complex with a mixture of blueberry and black cherry fruit, iris flower and violet, hints of sea spray in the background. This is more engaging than the 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good fruit concentration considering the vintage, commendable salinity and a harmonious, sapid finish that is classic in style. I suspect this may well close down for a period of time before re-opening. Excellent.
The 2021 Haut-Brion confirms its fine showing en primeur, cementing its status as one of the wines of the vintage. Its complex bouquet of dark berries and cassis mingled with notions of cigar wrapper and burning embers unfurls in the glass. Full-bodied, deep and velvety, its concentrated and layered with a multidimensional core of fruit, sweet tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Reflecting the timeless elegance of Haut-Brions from cooler years, the 2021 will delight Bordeaux purists.
product details
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