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 Robert Parker Wine Advocate
This is profound! 2008 Haut-Brion: The extraordinary 2008 Haut-Brion is a candidate for wine of the vintage. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, it reveals more evolution and complexity in its large-scaled perfume. The dense purple color is followed by a sweet nose of creosote, asphalt, blueberries, black currants and jammy raspberries, sweet tannins, a savory, fleshy mouthfeel and a stunning finish. This incredibly pure, noble wine was produced from one of the estate’s smallest crops. It should drink well for three decades or more.
95 Points Vinous
The 2008 Haut Brion has a very perfumed and floral bouquet: ebullient raspberry coulis and crushed strawberry fruit, sage and a hint of black olive. It just builds momentum in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. It feels a little grainy in texture, centered upon gravelly black fruit laced with black olive and smoke. It felt more austere than I expected, the finish reserved and somehow “contained” and yet the aftertaste is extraordinarily long. Avoid opening bottles for now because this was always one of the standout wines of the vintage, but at 10 years old it might be going through a dumb phase.
94 Points James Suckling
What a finish here. It starts off slowly and then builds. Full bodied, but in reserve with a sweet tobacco, berry, and light dark chocolate character. Bright acidity and a chewy finish. So classy.