Regarded as one of the world’s greatest wines for around 600 years, Haut-Brion was the only First Growth outside of the Médoc in the 1855 Classification. Grapes are thought to have been grown here since Roman times, and it can boast the first-ever professional wine review, by Samuel Pepys in 1663.
The elevated vineyard consists of deep gravels with a high clay and mineral content, planted in 45% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. They also produce one of the greatest and most expensive dry white wines in the world from 63% Semillion and 37% Sauvignon Blanc.
96 Points Wine Advocate
The 2006 Château Haut-Brion has a more ostentatious bouquet than the comparatively reserved La Mission: quite feisty blackberry, briary, kirsch and red plum scents, hints of leather and sage tucked just underneath. This is a bouquet determined to make an impression! The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, a gentle build to a concentrated, earthy, truffle-tinged finish that lingers long in the mouth. This seems to have the upper-hand over the La Mission and probably has a longer future. A thoroughbred from Jean-Philippe Delmas and his team. Drink 2018-2045.