2021 Château Haut Brion Magnum

Château Haut-Brion

Château Haut-Brion ranks among Bordeaux's finest and is unique as the only Premier Grand Cru Classé located outside the Médoc. Located in Pessac-Léognan, the estate has been a benchmark for refined, complex Bordeaux wines for centuries. Since 1935, the château has been owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon. Under the leadership of Jean-Philippe Delmas, the Haut-Brion style is meticulously maintained. The focus is on balance, structure, and aging potential, with respect for tradition and a keen eye for detail. More detailed information about the winery and its history can be found under the "Winery" tab.

Pessac-Léognan as origin and terroir

Pessac-Léognan, located just south of Bordeaux, is distinguished by its unique soil composition. Deep layers of gravel, mixed with sand, clay, and iron-rich elements, provide excellent drainage and a pronounced minerality. This terroir gives Haut-Brion wines their characteristic smoky and earthy nuances.

The climate is influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding forests, which tempers extreme weather conditions. In cooler years, such as 2021, this terroir truly shines, producing wines with tension, freshness, and refined aromas.

The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux

2021 was a challenging but classic year in Bordeaux. The growing season was characterized by a cool spring and a wet summer, which resulted in slow ripening. For estates with meticulous vineyard management, this presented opportunities to preserve elegance and freshness.

At Haut-Brion, yields were normal, and each plot was harvested individually, with patience and precision. The grapes benefited from a long ripening period, resulting in wines with moderate alcohol, refined tannins, and pronounced balance. This is a vintage that relies heavily on classic balance rather than pure power.

Grape variety and composition of the 2021 Haut-Brion

The 2021 Château Haut-Brion is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Merlot makes up just over half of the blend, providing roundness and texture. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, freshness, and length, while Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic refinement and tension.

The grapes come from individual plots, each harvested at its optimal moment. In 2021, timing was essential, and each vineyard was treated as a separate estate, contributing to the precision of the final wine.

Vinification and maturation

After manual harvesting, the grapes are carefully fermented in temperature-controlled vats. Extraction is controlled to preserve finesse and texture. In 2021, extra attention was paid to selection and balance, given the natural freshness of the year.

The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which are new. This aging adds structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit. The oak is perfectly integrated and supports the wine's classic profile.

Color, smell and taste of the 2021 Château Haut-Brion

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, dark ruby red color. The nose is complex and layered, with aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and ripe plums. This is followed by characteristic notes of graphite, cigar box, truffle, menthol, and subtle spice.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a velvety texture and impressive concentration. The tannins are fine-grained and powdery, supported by lively acidity that creates tension. The finish is long, deep, and refined, with a distinct mineral core. This is a wine that will slowly unfold and gain complexity with bottle aging.

Reviews and storage potential

The 2021 Château Haut-Brion is considered one of the absolute highlights of the vintage. Neal Martin praised the wine for its harmony, precision, and refined tannins, awarding it a 95-97 point rating, calling it a serious contender for wine of the year. Antonio Galloni emphasized its finesse and understated style, also awarding it 95-97 points, noting that the wine needs time to reveal its full aromatic complexity.

The Wine Advocate confirmed these impressions and awarded the wine 97 points. Yohan Castaing described the wine as deep, layered, and classic, with a multidimensional core of fruit, fresh acidity, and a long, penetrating finish. The drinking window is estimated from around 2030 and could extend to 2065 and possibly even longer under optimal storage conditions. This is a 1.5-liter magnum—even more delicious, festive, and with a longer drinking window.

Serving temperature and drinking advice

Serve the 2021 Château Haut-Brion preferably at around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. In its youth, the wine deserves ample aeration, preferably by decanting. This is a distinctly classic wine for cellaring that will particularly appeal to lovers of classic Bordeaux and, with patience, will develop spectacularly.

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 pairings with 2021 Château Haut-Brion

Beef tenderloin with red wine jus and mushrooms
The structure and finesse of the wine perfectly complement the texture of the meat and earthy notes.

Leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic
The spiciness and fresh acidity support the aromatic character of the dish.

Wild pigeon with truffle and celeriac
The deep aroma of the wine enhances the refined gamey aroma.

Beef stew with bay leaf and thyme
Slow-cooked dishes suit the powdery tannins and concentration.

Duck breast with beetroot and light gravy
The combination of juicy fruit and freshness keeps the dish balanced.

Matured hard cheeses such as comté or old farm cheese
The saltiness and maturation of the cheese are carried by the length and structure of the wine.