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★ Vinous 93 • Wine Advocate 94

HAUT-BRION 1er Grand cru classé Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux rouge 2011

Bordeaux red Pessac-Léognan

€360,00 / 75cl inc. VAT | Limited availability

From the moment it opens, this 2011 Haut-Brion reveals remarkable finesse, testifying to its ability to find a subtle balance despite a more delicate vintage. The palate develops notes of black cherry and licorice, lifted by a mineral touch that gives it a slender finish and beautiful structure. This Pessac-Léognan offers an elegant expression and a certain promise of longevity.

Format:
Appellation: Bordeaux
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Grape varieties: Bordeaux Blend Red
Alcohol: 13.5
Color: Red
Condition: Perfect

93

Vinous Tasting Note

(46% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 19% cabernet franc blend; 3.61 pH): Dark ruby-red. Big, rich and creamy on entry, then tighter and a bit austere in the middle, showing pure cassis, red berry and mineral flavors that carry through nicely on the rising finish. Very fine-grained Haut-Brion with a lingering cocoa nuance. Technical director Masclef noted that the team did shorter cuvaisons of about 15 days, vs. a typical 21, and at slightly lower temperatures too. I think the high-quality cabernet franc here has helped this wine gain a measure of refinement that is not always there in vintages with higher proportions of merlot. Another potentially great Haut Brion, more austere and less fleshy than recent efforts but very classic.

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About the Producer

About the Producer

Château Haut-Brion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, reigns over Pessac-Léognan and the Bordeaux landscape. The only non-Médoc estate honored in 1855, this cru illustrates the singularity of its gravel terroir. Its history is rich, from the Pontacs in the 16th century to Clarence Dillon, whose family has guided the estate’s destiny for several generations. Today, Domaine Clarence Dillon SAS continues this quest for excellence. The wines of Château Haut-Brion are synonymous with elegance, aromatic complexity, and aging potential. The grand vin rouge, a blend where Merlot expresses itself with refinement, offers a style that is both silky and approachable in its youth, evolving toward complex notes over time. Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, the estate’s second wine, shares this same nobility and commitment to quality. One must also mention the existence of the extremely rare Château Haut-Brion Blanc, a unique interpretation of the Sauvignon and Sémillon grape varieties, which completes this prestigious range sought after by connoisseurs. It is said that Talleyrand, a fine diplomat and great enthusiast, swore only by Haut-Brion. The estate works notably with appellations such as Premiers Crus, which consistently extend its signature. Among the most followed cuvées are Château Haut-Brion, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion - Château Bahans Haut-Brion, and Château Haut-Brion Blanc—useful benchmarks for understanding the identity of the estate.

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