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.

### 2022 Haut Brion [Bordeaux Blend] 750


The 2022 Haut Brion is a Bordeaux blend produced by Haut Brion in the Pessac Leognan sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 62.9% new oak. The wine is characterized by its deep garnet-purple color and its complex aromatic profile.

Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com gives the wine a stellar 100-point rating, describing it as "pure elegance" with a "striking sense of purity." He notes its aromatic profile with "fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar," and praises its "intensity, length, and seamless finish" that lingers for 60 seconds or longer. Leve highlights that this vintage is in competition for the best Haut Brion ever produced, recommending it for those with the means to invest in this "future legend."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates the wine at 97 points, with Yohan Castaing noting its aromas of "dark berries and plums mingled with pencil lead, licorice, tobacco leaf, spices and incense." Castaing describes the wine as "full-bodied, broad and seamless" with a deep, layered core of fruit and considerable tannins. He compares its analytical profile to the 2010 and 2009 vintages but finds it "more suave and polished" than the former and "more dynamic" than the latter.

James Suckling awards the wine 99 points, mentioning its "currants and cedar with sandalwood and peaches" aromas. He describes the palate as "crunchy and electric" with a "great finish with structure and polish." Suckling finds the high Merlot content in the blend particularly interesting.

Jeb Dunnuck rates the wine at 98 points, highlighting its "full-bodied, concentrated, structured style" and noting aromas of "cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and tobacco." He advises that the wine will need 7-8 years of aging due to its significant tannin content.

Jane Anson gives it a 96-point rating, describing the wine as "vivid and energetic" with flavors of "fresh fig, black chocolate, cinnamon, turmeric, creamy bilberry, and blackberry." She remarks on its "impressively vivid and energetic" character despite its intense construction.

Vinous’s Antonio Galloni rates it 99 points, observing that the wine comes across as "a bit restrained" but possesses "remarkable depth." He mentions notes of "violet, gravel, incense, leather, tobacco, and scorched earth."

Decanter also gives it a 96-point rating, praising its "sleek, supple, suave" nature and noting flavors of "milk chocolate and blackcurrants." The review emphasizes the wine's "clean depth and power" and "calm and controlled" finish.

Wine Enthusiast, with a 98-point rating, highlights the wine's "powerful structure and dense tannins," noting its "fine acidity" and "solid structure with concentrated texture and power."

Finally, The Wine Independent rates the wine at 99 points, describing it as "a classic, breath-taking expression of Haut-Brion" with notes of "iron ore, red roses, lavender, mint tea, and forest floor." The review suggests the wine will remain restrained for the first decade, after which it will "soar."

Overall, the 2022 Haut Brion is a highly acclaimed wine with a potential for aging, praised for its complexity, structure, and elegance.