Le CLARENCE de HAUT-BRION
Second red wine from Château Haut-Brion
- 2018
- Pessac-Léognan red
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 93/100 “The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has really come out of its shell. Bold, juicy and super-expressive, Le Clarence is so polished and sophisticated. Dried herbs, cedar, tobacco, licorice and coffee lift out of the glass. Medium in body and wonderfully persistent, the Clarence is a real beauty.”
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2021): 92/100 “The 2018 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion, which impressed from barrel, has a gorgeous, sensual bouquet of showy black fruit, potpourri and incense, almost Saint-Émilion in style and very well defined. The focused, poised palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very good tension and splendid weight on the finish. It ranks as one of the best Second Wines of Haut-Brion that I have tasted. Not to be underestimated."
- To keep or to drink :
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée :
- 2028-2045
- Potential alcohol :
- 14.5%
From the same producer
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Second red wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, created in 1991 and greatly improved since 2006 by the addition of the entire vineyard of La Tour Haut-Brion.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (February 2024): 91/100 “To taste this wine at 9 in the morning and not be able to spit, that's the rarity. And then there's the voluptuous body and that distinctive aroma that I can't find anywhere else.”
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2023): 90/100 “The 2021 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is laced with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice and pipe tobacco. La Chapelle is quite floral and delicate in 2021. Its understated personality is quite charming. Bright acids on the finish are a reminder of the cool, rainy growing season.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
Second red wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, created in 1991 and greatly improved since 2006 by the addition of the entire vineyard of La Tour Haut-Brion.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N.Martin - November 2024): 92/100 “The 2020 La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion is very controlled and more backward on the nose compared to its peers, featuring blackberry, raspberry, damp earth and light black olive aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm but fine tannins. There is a strong marine influence here with a dab of licorice on the finish. this needs time to find its groove, but it will. ”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
Second red wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, created in 1991 and greatly improved since 2006 by the addition of the entire vineyard of La Tour Haut-Brion.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (November 2020): 94/100 “In a vintage in which the first wine reaches new heights, the success of the second is dazzling. This is a complete, exuberant, smoky wine, whose fullness and firmness guarantee its future.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2038
-
Second red wine of La Mission Haut-Brion, created in 1991 and greatly improved since 2006 by the addition of the entire vineyard of La Tour Haut-Brion.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (December 2022): 93/100 “Particularly caressing palate, bursting with fruit and melting between the middle and the finish. Very fine-grained persistence. Remarkable.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2034
-
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
-
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - November 2023): 91/100 “The 2021 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has held on to the more floral, violet-tinged bouquet that puts it in front of the La Chapelle de La Mision at this stage- it's just a little more enticing. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshier than the La Chapelle with a caressing and delineated finish. It is an excellent Deuxième Vin that will give 12 to 15 years' drinking pleasure.”
Jean-Marc Quarin (April2022): 93/100 “Beautiful dark red, crimson. Intense, fine, fruity, pure and subtle nose. Nuances of ink and violet. Tender on the attack, juicy and fragrant on the mid-palate, the wine progresses on a pretty frame and finishes long and aromatic.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
-
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 94/100 “Clarence emphasizes tension, freshness, with a noble smoky character that asserts itself over the wine's length.”
Vinous (N.Martin - January 2024): 93+/100 “The 2020 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has a very finely delineated, concentrated and generous bouquet with layers of red and black fruit, pressed violets and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, very poised and pure, with an almost Burgundian allure toward the finish. This should age beautifully in bottle.”
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2023): 93/100 “Despite the solar richness of the fruit, the emphasis is on tension, freshness, with a noble smoky character that asserts itself over the wine's length, quite in the spirit of its big brother.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
-
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (March 2022): 94/100 “It caresses the palate, juicy and suave, with deep aromas, towards a long, sappy, perfumed finish. It's superb.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2027-2040
-
Second red wine of Haut-Brion, named as such since 2008 (previously Ch.Bahans Haut-Brion). To underline the stylistic kinship with his big brother, Le Clarence is put in the same very special bottle.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2020): 92/100 “The 2016 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion has an impressive bouquet of vibrant red berry fruit, rose petal and loamy aromas and impressively assimilated oak. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Crisp and focused, with a complex finish full of tension and terroir expression. This is another superb Pessac-Léognan. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2024-2036
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Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 95/100 “La Mission has produced a 2021 of the highest order, retaining all the intensity and distinction of the vintage, [...] Ample and pure, the fruit is reminiscent of cherry, [...] The body is complete, ample, almost velvety in a vintage for which this is certainly not the primary characteristic. The tannic length, well present, straight, full-bodied, is the guarantee of a long and fruitful evolution”.
J-M Quarin (February 2024): 96/100 “Ample on the attack, accompanied by a meticulous texture throughout the stimulation, halfway between the right bank and the left bank, the wine perfumes the palate before becoming powerful on the finish, while retaining its measured tannic support. It's unputdownable and tasty”.
Vinous (N. Martin - November 2023): 93/100 “The 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion has a very cohesive bouquet, well-defined with minerally red and black fruit, hints of white flowers and a distant tang of black olive. The almost "estuarine" element becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite fresh though not a complex or deep La Mission. It is lifted by the salinity and sustain on the finish-also its typicité. Whilst not a wine from the top drawer, it is a fascinating, engaging Pessac that will drink over the next 20 or 30 years.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2040
-
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2017 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2020): 96/100 “ In 2017, La Mission plays very much in the red fruit and floral end of the spectrum. Effortless, gracious and wonderfully nuanced, the 2017 simply has it all. What a wine! ”
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2020): 94/100 “The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, very focused and refined with darker fruit compared to the nose. Traces of tar and cedar surface towards the classic finish that linger nicely, although Haut-Brion just has a tad more persistence and depth. Superb.”
J-M Quarin (February 2020): 95/100 “Decanting gives it a sweeter note reminiscent of raspberry. On the palate, this sweetness is reflected in a very delicate stimulation where everything caresses and melts, leaving plenty of room for the aroma. This sensation is reminiscent of tasting great red Burgundies. The finish is subtle and ravishing."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2040
-
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
The 2016, which Mr. Galloni compares to the glorious and historic 1955 and 1989.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2027-2045
-
Occupying the southern flank of the Haut-Brion gravelly hillside and capable of exceptional success in "small" vintages, La Mission is a powerful first growth in a more fleshy and opulent register than Haut-Brion. Proof of this is its formidable 2017 rated 96/100 by M. Galloni (Vinous) "Effortless, graceful and wonderfully nuanced, this 2017 simply has everything going for it. What a wine". As for the 2016, rated 99/100 by N. Martin (Vinous), critics compare it to the dazzling 1989, no less!
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2027-2045
- Potential alcohol:
- 15%
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2022 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (April 2023): 98/100 “Black color. Intense, fine, fruity nose with, for once at this age, the smoky nuance typical of Pessac. Ample on the attack, deliciously perfumed in the mid-palate, accompanied by a fatty nuance in the touch, the wine evolves a little firm in the finish and at the same time very aromatic. Great length”.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2035-2060
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2025): 97/100 “Haut-Brion established itself during the en primeur tastings as one of the wines of the 2021 vintage. Today, in bottle, it is widening the gap [...] It's a complete wine, showing a kind of obvious élan, long but full, tight, with an obvious breed”.
The Wine Advocate (March 2024): 97/100 “Haut-Brion 2021 confirms its fine performance in the primeur competition and asserts itself as one of the wines of the vintage. It is complex, full-bodied, deep and velvety, with soft tannins and lively acids, and finishes with a long, penetrating finish. It will delight Bordeaux purists."
Vinous (N. Martin - November 2023): 95/100 “The 2021 Haut-Brion has a very pure bouqet, quite complex with a mixture of blueberry and black cherry fruit, iris flower and violet, hints of sea spray in the background. This is more engaging than the 2021 La Mission Haut-Brion at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good fruit concentration considering the vintage, commendable salinity and harmonious, sapid finish that is classic in style. I suspect this mays well close down for a period of time before re-opening. Excellent.”
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Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2019 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (March 2022): 96/100 “Delicate on the entry, particularly aromatic in the middle, juicy, complex and very tasty, the wine tightens delicately on the finish. It finishes powerful and noble, with lots of aroma.”
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Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2018 vintage in the press:
En Magnum (April 2021): 100/100 “When it was tasted en primeur, I had been very impressed by this haut-brion. I remember finding it extremely complete. In bottle, I find this incredible side that sums up everything I love in a great Bordeaux. The caress, the velvety texture, the nobility of texture and tannins, and this great personality that is absolutely unique. [...] Beauty, fullness, velvety concentration, at once the style of the greatest of Pomerol and that of the greatest of the Médoc, always with the terroir and personality of the cru.”
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2021): 99/100 “Mellow, the wine's flesh remains paradoxically taut, tight, and finishes its parade on the palate with an impression of lanky grace. The evolutionary potential of this great vintage is enormous”.
J-M Quarin (November 2021): 98/100 “Shaking the glass brings out the raspberry and refined nuances. Mellow on the entry, full and yet melting in the middle, with a crazy aromatic power towards the finish and lots of taste, the wine finishes particularly long, on a magnificent grain of tannin.”More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2030-2050
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2017 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (January 2022): 97/100 “The whole is a pure delight. Noble aromas flow over a very refined, savory texture, with no power effect, no fragility, all distinguished support. A long, fresh finish”.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2027-2041
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2016 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (December 2022): 100/100 “Ultra-refined on the entry, particularly melting all the way through, complex in the middle, tasty, juicy, fresh, but also powerful, the wine keeps gliding across the palate, refined, fat, noble, in an immense sappy length. Oh, how good it is!"
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2027-2041
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2033
- Potential alcohol:
- 15%
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2009 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (November 2017): 100/100 “Fresh oak nuance. Soft on the attack and particularly suave on development, very rich on the mid-palate, yet melting, with a very airy and refined yet solid texture, the wine soars on the finish, complex, long, powerful and very deep. This second and even third part of the palate is fabulous. A great, precise and noble wine. The perfect expression of Haut-Brion."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.The 2004 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N.Martin - June 2024): 94/100 “The 2004 Haut-brion has a superb bouquet with very well-defined blackberry, cedar,cigar huminador and dried blood scents that blossom in the glass - quintessential Haut-Brion. The palate is medium-bodied with an almost medicinal entry and fine acidity. It's the eucalyptus aspect that really defines the finish, something that i was not expecting. Does that detract from typicité ? Maybe, yet still very enjoyable.".
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
-
Haut-Brion is the most famous of all the Bordeaux growths, having twice been classified as 1er grand cru, in 1855 and again in 1959 (Graves classification). Haut-Brion is both the oldest of the Grands Crus, with more than five centuries (since 1509) behind it, and the most innovative, introducing stainless steel vats as early as 1960 and green harvesting as early as 1980.
Its particular situation within the Bordeaux agglomeration makes it the earliest Premier Cru on the left bank, a clear advantage in less mature vintages. For this reason, Haut-Brion's consistency is a benchmark for the whole of Bordeaux, with the intense bouquet of fresh earth, smoke and pine resin so characteristic of the appellation.
Fortunately, the unique silhouette of its bottle has disrupted the Asian market and has not triggered the same speculative interest there as it has for the other 1er grands crus classés. Haut-Brion is today without question the most qualitative and the least expensive of the premiers.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2020-2032
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More infused than extracted, finely oaked, with a beautiful balance between fresh fruit and velvety tannins, this sapid and sensual Dragon is more than a second wine.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2035
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More infused than extracted, finely oaked, with a beautiful balance between fresh fruit and velvety tannins, this sapid and sensual Dragon is more than a second wine.
The 2021 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (April 2022): 90/100 “Deep, dark purple color. Intense nose of fresh, ripe fruit. Fascinating mouthfeel with a nuance of blackberry jelly that enlivens the palate. Juicy, noble and fine. The finish is long and unputdownable. A delight!"
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2035
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More infused than extracted, finely oaked, with a beautiful balance between fresh fruit and velvety tannins, this sapid and sensual Dragon is more than a second wine.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (February 2024): 92/100 “Dark color. Superb, suave, fresh, ripe and subtle nose, on a par with Quintus. A touch of vanilla. Meticulous on entry, juicy in the middle, with class in the touch, the wine melts in the finish, long, sappy and unputdownable.”
Vinous (N.Martin - November 2024): 92/100 “The 2020 Le Dragon de Quintus has a perfumed nose with cedar-scented red berry fruit, forest floor and tobacco aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins. It is nicely balanced and elegant in style, with a brisk, peppery finish that has the sapidity to tempt you back.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2025-2035
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More infused than extracted, finely oaked, with a beautiful balance between fresh fruit and velvety tannins, this sapid and sensual Dragon is more than a second wine.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
Jean-Marc Quarin (February 2024): 90/100 “Dark, lively color. Nose of medium intensity, fruity and spicy. Suave on the palate, with a melting, caressing body and nuanced sensations. Normal length, with coated tannins. Very pleasing overall for its savory aspect.”More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2030
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More infused than extracted, finely oaked, with a beautiful balance between fresh fruit and velvety tannins, this sapid and sensual Dragon is more than a second wine.
The 2017 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2020): 90/100 “Open and approachable with peppery notes towards the harmonious finish. Delicious.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2021-2028
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
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In 2012, Haut-Brion bought and combined two grands crus classés (Tertre-Dauguay and L'Arrosée) on the slopes of Saint-Émilion (Côte Ausone), and put a foot in the right bank, called Quintus because it is their fifth property (after Haut-Brion, La Mission HB, Laville HB and Latour HB).
Their first objective is to make fine, long wines, focusing on freshness and delicacy rather than power or density, more typical of the left bank than the right bank.
Second objective: to shine in the next Saint-Emilion classifications (its immediate neighbours are Ausone, Belair-Monange, Angélus and Canon, all 1st classified grands crus).More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2042
-
In 2012, Haut-Brion bought and combined two grands crus classés (Tertre-Dauguay and L'Arrosée) on the slopes of Saint-Émilion (Côte Ausone), and put a foot in the right bank, called Quintus because it is their fifth property (after Haut-Brion, La Mission HB, Laville HB and Latour HB).
Their first objective is to make fine, long wines, focusing on freshness and delicacy rather than power or density, more typical of the left bank than the right bank.
Second objective: to shine in the next Saint-Emilion classifications (its immediate neighbours are Ausone, Belair-Monange, Angélus and Canon, all 1st classified grands crus).The 2021 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (April 2022): 95/100 “Dark, deep, crimson and lively color. Intense, fine, fruity, pure, subtle and floral nose. Minutious on entry, particularly aromatic in the middle, complex and deep, with class in the touch, the wine gains power between the middle and the finish. It finishes long, suave, sappy and delicious. This is the most accomplished expression I know of in Quintus at this age”.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2042
-
In 2012, Haut-Brion bought and combined two grands crus classés (Tertre-Dauguay and L'Arrosée) on the slopes of Saint-Émilion (Côte Ausone), and put a foot in the right bank, called Quintus because it is their fifth property (after Haut-Brion, La Mission HB, Laville HB and Latour HB).
Their first objective is to make fine, long wines, focusing on freshness and delicacy rather than power or density, more typical of the left bank than the right bank.
Second objective: to shine in the next Saint-Emilion classifications (its immediate neighbours are Ausone, Belair-Monange, Angélus and Canon, all 1st classified grands crus).The 2020 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (February 2024): 96/100 “Dark, intense and beautiful color. More discreet nose than Dragon, with ripe, fresh fruit. Minutious on entry, much fuller in the middle, with fat and a melting body, this wine settles slowly on the palate. Particularly tasty, it returns fresh nuances in the persistence. It's very hard to spit out."
Vinous (N.Martin - November 2024): 94/100 “The 2020 Quintus has a wonderfully hatmonious bouquet with black fruit, briar, a touch of wild mint and beautifully integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins and a fine bead of acidity. It is perhaps modern in style, but even blind, this is just oozes class and sophisticiation. Despite the high alcohol, this manages to pull it all off.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2042
-
In 2012, Haut-Brion bought and combined two grands crus classés (Tertre-Dauguay and L'Arrosée) on the slopes of Saint-Émilion (Côte Ausone), and put a foot in the right bank, called Quintus because it is their fifth property (after Haut-Brion, La Mission HB, Laville HB and Latour HB).
Their first objective is to make fine, long wines, focusing on freshness and delicacy rather than power or density, more typical of the left bank than the right bank.
Second objective: to shine in the next Saint-Emilion classifications (its immediate neighbours are Ausone, Belair-Monange, Angélus and Canon, all 1st classified grands crus).The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (Neal Martin - August 2020): 94/100 “The 2016 Quintus has a very noble bouquet with beautifully defined blackberry and briary fruit, wonderfully integrated oak and a genuine sense of focus and poise. This is a beautifully crafted Saint-Émilion and one of the best releases of Quintus to date.”More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2024-2036
- Potential alcohol:
- 15%
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In 2012, Haut-Brion bought and combined two grands crus classés (Tertre-Dauguay and L'Arrosée) on the slopes of Saint-Émilion (Côte Ausone), and put a foot in the right bank, called Quintus because it is their fifth property (after Haut-Brion, La Mission HB, Laville HB and Latour HB).
Their first objective is to make fine, long wines, focusing on freshness and delicacy rather than power or density, more typical of the left bank than the right bank.
Second objective: to shine in the next Saint-Emilion classifications (its immediate neighbours are Ausone, Belair-Monange, Angélus and Canon, all 1st classified grands crus).The 2014 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2024): 91+/100 “The 2014 Quintus is very youthful on the nose, with vibrant, almost Medoc-like scents of stalky red fruit, cedar, smoke and a hint of pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple, fine tannins, again in the Left Bank style, with a slight grip on the finish. This wine could actually benefit from a few more months in bottle.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2035