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 2018 Haut Brion is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned Haut Brion estate in the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This vintage is composed of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. It boasts an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork.

James Suckling, in his review on March 5, 2021, awarded the wine an impressive 99 points, highlighting its "aromas of currants, leaves, fresh mushrooms, oyster shell, tobacco, and dried flowers," noting it as "ever so refined and polished" with a "lovely, energetic finish." He suggests that it will be best to drink from 2026 onwards.

The Wine Enthusiast provided a barrel sample score of 98, emphasizing the wine's "immense structure" powered by tannins and balanced by a "dry core and bright acidity." The review also mentions the black currant flavor as both "fine and concentrated" while maintaining "a juicy freshness."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the 2018 Haut Brion a perfect score of 100, describing it as a "profound, highly intellectual, multilayered baby." She noted its complex melody of notes, including "tilled earth, pronounced licorice, crushed rocks, and preserved plums," evolving into "intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch."

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also awarded a perfect score of 100, praising it as "opulent, powerful, full-bodied, dense, and intense," and noted the "mouth-coating layers of ripe, lush, smoke and tobacco infused dark red and black fruits." He predicts it will age gracefully for 3-4 decades.

Decanter, awarding the wine 98 points, remarked on its "elegance, intense purity and a juicy, vibrant freshness," despite a challenging growing season marked by a stormy spring and May hailstorm. The wine is described as "generous, velvety and wonderfully complex."

Jeb Dunnuck, also giving 98 points, called it a "quintessential expression of this terroir," noting its "full-bodied, concentrated, multi-layered style" with "gorgeous tannins, flawless balance, and just a wonderful symmetry and elegance."

Vinous, with multiple reviews rating the wine between 97 and 98 points, highlighted its "tremendous complexity and nuance" and described it as "elegant and classy."

Wine Spectator rated the wine 98 points, describing it as a "showstopper" with notes of "cassis, cherry puree, and blackberry paste," complemented by "tea, sandalwood, iron, and anise."

Jane Anson, awarding 98 points, noted the wine's "powerfully built, complex and succulent layers" and suggested it needs "a good five to eight years more" before reaching its peak.

The Wine Independent also rated it 98 points, calling it a "beautiful monster" with notes of "stewed plums, baked blackberries, and crème de cassis," framed with "firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness."

Overall, the 2018 Haut Brion is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its complexity, structure, and aging potential.