2021 Château Haut Brion Blanc

Château Haut-Brion and the history of white Bordeaux

Château Haut-Brion is among Bordeaux's oldest estates and one of the few Premier Grand Cru Classé vineyards that produces both red and white wines at exceptional levels. White wines represent only a small portion of the total production and therefore enjoy an almost mythical status. The style is powerful yet refined, with a unique balance between ripeness, tension, and aromatic precision. In cooler years, this tension is even more pronounced, and 2021 is a prime example.

The special terroir of Pessac-Léognan

The Haut-Brion vineyards are situated on warm gravel, with clay and limestone beneath. This combination provides excellent drainage and natural heat retention, which supports the ripening of both Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The microclimate in Pessac-Léognan is more stable than in many other parts of Bordeaux, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Haut-Brion's white varieties are known for their structure, tension, and longevity, supported by a clean acidity and intense aromatic profile.

A cool and classic vintage with exceptional quality

The 2021 harvest brought back the classic Bordeaux style. The growing season was cool, with the perfect conditions to harvest perfectly ripe fruit without overripeness or loss of freshness. According to the château, this was one of the few years in which harvesting was possible exactly when desired, without the constraints of weather. The white grapes were harvested from September 3rd to 13th, after which the individual plots were vinified with great precision. The blend, as usual, consists of 55 percent Sémillon and 45 percent Sauvignon Blanc, a ratio that creates tension, aromatic depth, and a powerful structure.

The 2021 Château Haut-Brion Blanc

Reviews unanimously emphasize the impressive structure, energy, and aromatic expression of the 2021 Blanc. The wine combines intensity with an almost red-wine-like verticality. The nose reveals white peach, yellow plum, kumquat, citrus, dried flowers, and subtle almond. The aromatic layers slowly unfold in the glass and continually develop. According to several tasters, this is one of the most precise, elegant, and structured editions of recent years, with unprecedented purity and focus.

Vinification, structure and development potential

As is customary with Haut-Brion, each plot is vinified and aged separately. The combination of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc gives the wine its depth, texture, and tension. The 2021 Blanc displays a powerful acidity, yet remains creamy and broad in the mid-palate. The wine is taut, energetic, and exceptionally long, with a citrus-driven core that carries through to the finish. Its potential is impressive. This vintage will continue to develop and refine for decades to come.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2021 Blanc

The color is light straw yellow with a subtle sheen. The aroma combines white peach, lemon confit, mint, dried flowers, almond, and refreshing spice. The palate is intense, vertical, and precise, with a combination of creamy roundness and a powerful acidity that gives the wine length and tension. The finish is clean, long, and complex, with notes of citrus oil, white flowers, and a refined mineral note. This wine will become one of the most beloved Haut-Brion Blancs of the modern decade.

Would you like to order Château Haut-Brion wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairing advice for the 2021 Château Haut-Brion Blanc

Lobster with tarragon and lemon butter
The powerful structure and elegant acidity complement the creaminess of the lobster beautifully.

Turbot with beurre blanc and fennel
The tension and aromatic depth find a perfect balance with refined fish dishes.

Veal mouse with sage and citrus notes
The round texture of the meat combines beautifully with the precision and breadth of the wine.

Risotto with lemon, asparagus and Parmesan
The creamy base and fresh accents form a harmonious whole with the lively acidity.

Sushi with white fish and yuzu
The purity of the wine enhances the delicate flavors of raw fish.

Grilled chicken with herbs and lemon zest
The combination of floral notes and citrus lift makes this an ideal pairing.