2022 Château Haut Brion

Of all the Bordeaux premier crus, Haut-Brion is the most charming, always elegant and refined and always in top condition, young or old. Haut-Brion is the oldest and historically the most colourful estate in the Gironde - it was here that the first single-vineyard Bordeaux was made in the 17th century, first served in London coffee houses and praised by many eminent writers. In 1935, the estate was bought by Clarence Dillon, an American banker. He invested large sums in renovating the chai and the vineyard. In 1960, Haut-Brion became the first premier cru to replace the wooden barrels with stainless steel tanks. In 1983, the Dillon family bought the neighbouring Château la Mission Haut-Brion.

The vineyard covers an area of 51 hectares of which just over 48 hectares are planted with red grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and just under 3 hectares are dedicated to white grape varieties (Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc). The start of the 2021 winter is rainy and allows water reserves in the soil to be replenished. From In February, temperatures rise above seasonal averages and ensure an early start to the vine growth cycle. The first part of April is marked by an incidence of frost, more widespread but less severe than those of the previous year. For the vines of Haut-Brion, the impact is minimal. In May, temperatures are warm and so are the vines, growth continues. During flowering, conditions are good and the water deficit is compensated for by rainfall in June. Three significant heat waves, at the end of June, July and August mark the summer, combined with an almost total lack of rain. However, despite the extreme weather conditions during the summer, the grapes still reached optimum ripeness in early August, aided by some timely rain showers that helped to complete the process.

The Haut Brion 2022 is a blend of 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc. The wine has matured in 62.9% new French barrels and holds 14.45% alcohol. The colour is deep and beautiful. The nose is enchanting. Swirling the wine confirms this impression of perfect fruitiness. The hot summer does not show itself: the vine responded to the extremes of the 2022 weather and the grapes are ripe, just ripe. Swirling the wine in the glass tempts you to continue. The first taste is broad, tight, captivating and precise. The wine then unfolds its structure, springs up and stretches with fullness. Structured and generous at the same time. In short, fascinating!

FACT: Under the tab: Attachment you will find the official factsheet and we will send it to you digitally when you order this wine. Also worth mentioning that we buy the (Bordeaux) wines directly and never through intermediaries because then we do not know which journeys the wine has made and how it has been treated. The wines come from the cellars of the Chateau directly to our conditioned Warehouse in Dordrecht where all our wines are stored .