2016 Ch Haut-Brion Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan

The 2016 Haut Brion is a blend of 56% Merlot, 37.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Cabernet Franc. This is a monument for Haut-Brion and reminds me of the great 1998 but in a modern and bright style. Full-bodied, very tannic and superbly structured yet always agile and vivid. Its energy and dynamic nature grabs you by the shoulder and tells you it’s great. Staggeringly precise. It can’t get better than this, can it?

100 points jamessuckling.com

Château Haut-Brion from Pessac-Léognan is one of the most legendary wines in the world—a First Growth that stands apart not only for its historic prestige but also for its distinct style and unwavering consistency. Located just outside the city of Bordeaux in the Graves region, Haut-Brion is the only estate outside the Médoc to be included in the original 1855 Classification, and it remains a benchmark for finesse, structure, and complexity in Bordeaux.

The estate’s history stretches back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest continuously producing wine estates in the region. Now owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon and overseen by Jean-Philippe Delmas, Haut-Brion combines centuries of heritage with meticulous, modern winemaking. The gravelly soils over clay and limestone are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, giving the wine its trademark balance of elegance and depth.

Vinification takes place in stainless steel and oak vats, followed by aging in new French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months. Each plot is treated with precision, allowing the terroir to guide the final blend. The result is a wine of profound complexity—often more refined and aromatic than its Left Bank peers, with a silky mouthfeel and signature earthy, smoky nuance.

In the glass, Haut-Brion reveals aromas of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, cigar box, and graphite, with layers of truffle and warm earth emerging with age. The palate is seamlessly structured, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and an incredibly long, harmonious finish. It’s a wine that evolves gracefully for decades, rewarding both patience and close attention.