Château Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac Léognan, 2024
Depth, force and complexity conspire to make a 2013 Haut Brion Blanc of compelling intensity. Initially the sheer strength, minerality and vibrancy of this wine mask its many hidden facets. Very gradually flavours of nectarine, citrus, lime, guava and stones unfurl. Bold, concentrated and ripe but with plenty of balancing acidity. A blend of 68% Semillon 32% Sauvignon
critic reviews
Opulent. Vibrant with a rich, generous offering of ripe fruit, juicy, peach, pear, citrus, exotic white flowers.
After a little shaking, notes of orange blossoms, fresh grapefruit, and just-ripe pineapple slowly emerge from the glass, followed by hints of fennel seed, wet pebbles, and blanched almonds. The medium-bodied palate is so silky and seamless, melting in your mouth with saline-laced citrus and tropical fruit layers, finishing with epic length and depth. Incredible.
The 2024 Haut-Brion Blanc also has a reserved bouquet like the La Mission Blanc and demands more encouragement than usual. Eventually, there are lime, gooseberry, crushed stone and mirabelle scents that start to gain intensity after ten minutes. The palate is very well balanced with a slightly more pithy texture. It is quite peppery, with fine grip and hints of green olive toward the persistent finish. This is excellent.
A blend of 56.1% Sémillon and 43.9% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 Haut-Brion Blanc reveals a complex, dense bouquet of smoke, iodine, white fruits and flowers mingled with delicate notes of citrus zest. Medium to full-bodied, it has a sappy and layered palate that's perfectly integrated, with a long, saline and ethereal finish. This vintage beautifully reconciles the intrinsic power of the terroir with the slow ripening of the growing season, resulting in a wine of remarkable finesse and vibrant white-fruited energy.