The oldest of Bordeaux’s five first growths and the only property outside the Medoc to be included in the 1855 Classification, Chateau Haut-Brion was founded by Jean de Pontac in 1533. The name derives from the Celtic word briga, meaning “hill” or “high place”, and refers to the gravelly elevated terrain situated between the Le Peuge and Le Serpent streams.

History shows that as early as 1660, Haut-Brion wines were already appreciated at royal tables as evidenced by the purchase of 169 bottles by King Charles II of England, noted in the royal cellar book. Among the wine’s admirers are the famous London diarist Samuel Pepys, and Thomas Jefferson, who had distinguished the wine’s quality long before the 1855 Classification.

Arnaud III de Pontac was responsible for building the estate’s international reputation and for creating a new style of wine that is the basis for all currently classified growths - an era which historians have described as a revolution in winemaking.

Chateau Haut-Brion was acquired by the American financier Clarence Dillon on May 13, 1935 and has been managed by the same family since. Much of the estate’s success is also credited to the Delmas family, who have worked the estate for three generations. Nearly five centuries after the creation of its vineyard and 350 years after the first published mention under its current name, Chateau Haut-Brion remains one of the finest wines in the world today.

Haut-Brion’s grand vin is the embodiment of five centuries of tradition and plays a pivotal role in the worldwide history of wine. It is the oldest of the Bordeaux classed growths, the inventor of a new style of wine fashioned in the seventeenth century, and considered the world’s first luxury brand.

Typically more Merlot dominant than other Left Bank wines, the terroir of Haut-Brion is expressed through its empyreumatic bouquet (Havana cigars, chocolate, roasting, cedar wood, and so on). The attack is restrained, with precise yet exceedingly soft tannins. But the power of this wine is revealed in the surprising long mid-palate and even longer finish.

The 2011 Haut Brion Bordeaux Blend is a notable wine from the renowned Haut Brion estate in the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with an alcohol content of 13.0%, has garnered significant praise from various professional reviewers.

Wine Spectator awarded the 2011 Haut Brion a score of 95, describing it as a wine that "packs some serious density for the vintage, with layers of braised fig, blackberry pâte de fruit and dark currant paste." The review highlighted the wine's "lively briar, tobacco leaf and roasted apple wood notes," noting its energetic finish and mouthwatering grip. Wine Spectator's reviewer JM concluded by calling it "one of the stars of the vintage," recommending it for consumption from 2018 through 2035.

Vinous' Neal Martin scored the wine 94 points, noting its "really lovely, warm, autumnal nose" with complex aromas of "red fruit, chestnut, autumn leaves and Earl Grey scents." Martin described the palate as medium-bodied with fine grain tannins and a crisp line of acidity. Although he mentioned a "slightly austere" finish, he praised the wine’s focus and delicately spiced, slightly medicinal finish, predicting it will provide another 20 years of drinking pleasure.

Wine Enthusiast's reviewer R.V. gave the wine an impressive 96 points, calling it an "impressively silky wine." The review highlighted the wine's big fruit, smooth tannins, and perfumed character, emphasizing its intense fruitiness and dry palate.

James Suckling also rated the wine highly, with 94 points. He noted the "darker toasty oak and dark fruits with red hues," and praised its "very smoothly executed meaty barrel fermented aromas" and "ripe cassis and cherry fruit flavors." Suckling highlighted the wine’s "nicely articulated, layered and smooth" tannins, with a "velvety fine texture" finish.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, via Neal Martin, also awarded the wine 94 points, describing it as having a "gentle and caressing bouquet" with dark cherry, raspberry fruit, and a touch of saddle leather. While Martin noted that the oak might come through too strongly on the finish, he affirmed its class and pedigree, calling it a "classic Pessac-Léognan."

Finally, Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated the wine 94 points, noting its "smoky dark, red fruits, tobacco, flowers, espresso and caramel scents." He described the wine as refined in style with soft tannins and a "liberal dose of cherry griotte in the elegant finish," predicting it will develop nicely with 5-10 years of age.

Overall, the 2011 Haut Brion is a well-regarded wine with complex aromas, a refined palate, and significant aging potential, making it a commendable choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts.