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 2019 Haut Brion, a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed region of Pessac Leognan, France, is a wine of remarkable richness and complexity. This red wine, presented with a cork closure, is a product of refined craftsmanship from the esteemed producer, Haut Brion.

On the nose, it captivates with an intoxicating mix of blackberries and plums, intertwined with pencil shavings, burning embers, and creamy new oak. The scent profile is a prelude to the full-bodied, rich, and fleshy palate. The robustness segues into an ample and enveloping core of fruit, concluding with a long, expansive finish. The texture is reminiscent of cashmere, unraveling on the palate and continuing on for minutes. The deep purple hue foreshadows the stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry and currant-like fruit as well as classic Graves cold fireplace, burning embers, tobacco, and cedar pencil.

This 2019 vintage is a muscular, broad-shouldered wine, with its rich, powdery tannins seamlessly integrated. Despite its 15% alcohol content, it skillfully avoids any sense of over-ripeness. Reviewers commend its ethereal degree of transparency, fabulous precision, and detail. Its medium-bodied palate is adorned with fine bone tannins, unerring symmetry, and poise. The 2019 Haut-Brion showcases an extraordinarily persistent and compelling closing, making it off the charts in quality.

With scores ranging from 96 to a perfect 100 from esteemed critics such as Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, James Suckling, and Decanter, the 2019 Haut-Brion is a testament to the potential of Bordeaux blends, making it a must-have for any serious wine collector. This grand wine is not only rich in flavor but also has a solid structure, with a juicy acidity that provides a refreshing contrast. It is a wine of immense potential, best enjoyed from 2027 onwards. The 2019 Haut Brion is a wine that promises an unforgettable tasting experience, destined to be remembered as one of the great vintages of Haut Brion.