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 2015 Haut Brion is a wine of exceptional quality and elegance. This Bordeaux Blend from the Pessac Leognan region of Bordeaux, France, is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the esteemed producer, Haut Brion.

In the glass, the wine displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color, hinting at the richness and depth that awaits. On the nose, it is initially reticent, but as it unfolds, it reveals a symphony of aromas. Crushed black cherries, ripe black plums, and wild blueberries take center stage, accompanied by subtle hints of cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and espresso. The fragrance of unsmoked cigars, tapenade, crushed rocks, and lavender adds complexity and intrigue.

On the palate, the Haut Brion 2015 is a masterpiece of balance and finesse. It showcases the perfect interplay between bold black and blue fruit richness and delicately nuanced cherry fruit, complemented by baking spices and floral accents. The tannins are ripe, finely pixelated, and provide a beautiful structure to the wine. The acidity is seamlessly integrated, adding brightness and freshness. The finish is incredibly long, leaving a lasting impression of attitude and sophistication.

Renowned wine critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate describes this wine as impeccably poised and exquisitely perfumed. While it may bear a passing resemblance to the legendary 1989 vintage, it possesses its own unique opulent personality. This wine is a hedonistic delight that will satisfy the most discerning lovers of great Bordeaux.

Other critics also sing praises for the 2015 Haut Brion. Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com describes the wine as a treat for the senses, with its floral, smoke, cigar wrapper, black cherry, and cassis notes. He praises the wine's purity of fruit and its silk and velvet textures, which linger on the palate long after each sip. Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, calls it a perfect wine, with knockout notes of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, ground herbs, and graphite. He recommends waiting 7-8 years before enjoying this wine, as it will continue to evolve and delight for the next three to four decades.

The 2015 Haut Brion has also received high scores from other esteemed publications. Wine Spectator awarded it 98 points, praising its broad and deep flavors of roasted fig, currant compote, and plum reduction. They note the lean, muscular strength of the wine and recommend enjoying it from 2025 to 2045. James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, is captivated by the wine's seduction and beauty, with its notes of tobacco, berries, tea, and wet earth. He finds the tannins polished and beautiful and suggests trying the wine in 2023.

Wine Enthusiast gives the wine a score of 97, highlighting its directness and concentration. They note the firm texture and potential for plenty of fruit as the wine matures. They recommend waiting until 2028 to fully appreciate its impressive structure. Decanter rates the 2015 Haut Brion 99 points, describing it as rich and sumptuous on the palate with a huge depth of fruit. They note the tight tannins and the wine's need for a decade or more of aging to fully develop. It is considered one of the standout wines of the vintage.

In conclusion, the 2015 Haut Brion is a wine of extraordinary beauty and complexity. It showcases the best of Bordeaux, with its harmonious blend of fruit, spice, and floral notes. This wine is a true collector's item, destined to impress and delight for many years to come.