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 2020 Haut Brion is a truly exceptional wine that exemplifies the elegance and complexity of Bordeaux blends. With its deep ruby color and impeccable structure, this wine is a testament to the artistry and skill of the renowned producer, Haut Brion.

On the nose, the wine is incredibly aromatic, revealing a symphony of blackberries and raspberries intertwined with notes of licorice, cigar wrapper, and pencil shavings. The integration of new oak adds a subtle touch of vanilla and spice, enhancing the overall bouquet.

As you take your first sip, the wine envelopes your palate with its full-bodied and fleshy texture. The core of fruit is rich and layered, supported by velvety tannins that lend a sense of refinement and balance. Despite its high alcohol content of 15.0%, the wine maintains a harmonious profile, with no discernible heat.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 99 points, praising its granular tannic profile and classically structured profile. James Suckling, another esteemed critic, bestowed a perfect score of 100 points, emphasizing the wine's incredible tannin structure and remarkable length.

The 2020 Haut Brion is a wine that promises to evolve gracefully over the next four to five decades. Its blend of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 17.5% Cabernet Franc showcases the best of Bordeaux's varietals, creating a wine of exceptional depth and complexity.

This wine is a true legend in the making, with critics and enthusiasts alike hailing it as one of the finest expressions of Haut Brion. It is a wine that demands attention and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience it.

Whether you choose to savor it now or cellar it for future enjoyment, the 2020 Haut Brion is an investment in excellence and a testament to the timeless art of winemaking.