2023 Château Haut Brion Blanc

One of the most exclusive white wines from Bordeaux, packaged in OWC/1 and produced in extremely small quantities.

the heritage of Château Haut-Brion

Château Haut-Brion is one of the world's most famous estates and has been classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé since 1855. Although primarily known for its red wine, Haut-Brion Blanc is considered one of Bordeaux's rarest white wines. Production is minimal, making the wine exceptionally difficult to obtain. Each bottle is also packaged in an OWC/1 (Original Wooden Case per bottle), emphasizing both its exclusivity and collector's value.

terroir and vineyard

The white vineyards of Haut-Brion are situated on the characteristic gravel and clay soils of Pessac-Léognan. The location and natural drainage give Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes exceptional tension and complexity. The 2023 vintage required the utmost precision in the vineyard. Thanks to green harvesting, leaf removal, and careful management, grapes were harvested with perfect freshness, ripeness, and aromatic purity.

the 2023 harvest

The white grapes were harvested from August 21st to September 4th, exclusively during the coolest hours of the day. This ensured optimal aroma retention and fresh acidity. The grapes were immediately cooled and carefully transported, laying the foundation for a wine of exceptional finesse. The 2023 vintage blend consists of 58.1% Sauvignon Blanc and 41.9% Sémillon, with an alcohol content of 13.8% and aging in 50% new French oak barrels.

color, smell and taste

The 2023 Haut-Brion Blanc displays a pale yellow color with green hues. The nose reveals aromas of peach, citrus, and lime, complemented by floral notes of jasmine and a hint of lilac. The bouquet is complex and refined, with vibrant precision. On the palate, the wine is rich and layered, with a compact structure that gradually opens to a full, deep, and persistent finish. Neal Martin praised the balance and umami depth of this vintage (95-97 points), while James Suckling awarded the wine 97-98 points, describing "sliced lemon, pear, and white-peach character" with a "crunchy finish."

assessments, scarcity and storage potential

The 2023 Haut-Brion Blanc ranks among the pinnacle of the vintage, receiving a 95-97 (Vinous) and 97-98 (James Suckling) rating from leading critics. The wine is extremely scarce and produced in very limited quantities. Its OWC/1 designation underscores the unique status of this white Bordeaux. Its aging potential extends well beyond 2050, with the wine continuing to deepen in complexity and refinement.

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

• Lobster with lemon butter – the creaminess of the lobster complements the layered structure of the wine perfectly.
• Sea bass with fennel and saffron – the freshness and citrus aromas enhance the delicate flavors of the fish.
• Veal oyster with sage and lemon – the soft texture harmonizes with the mineral depth of the wine.
• Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan – the creamy risotto is refreshed by the lively acidity.
• Scallops with dill and lime – the refined acidity and fruitiness accentuate the elegance of the scallops.
• Mature Comté or young goat's cheese – the nutty notes extend the rich, lingering finish.