$799 | 2019 Château Haut-Brion
Description
The winter of 2018-2019 was mild and dry. Cool temperatures in spring slowed down vine growth. Flowering took place in ideal conditions, without coulure (shot berries) nor millerandage (abnormal fruit set). Storm Miguel swept across the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region on the 7th of June, although our grapes were fortunately spared. Heavy, regular rainfall was conducive to vegetative growth, leading the vines to develop an impressive leaf canopy. The rain came to a sudden halt on the 22nd of June, and a series of successive heatwaves ensued. July was the third hottest in history after 2006 and 2013, with temperatures reaching a record-breaking 42°C on the 23rd. Fortunately, rain fell on the 26th, followed by cool nights in August, propitious to the synthesis of anthocyanins. Véraison (color change) was slow but uninterrupted. September was marked by fine, dry and sunny conditions, interspersed by welcome rainfall. Thanks to this ideal spell of weather, all the grape varieties were harvested at peak ripeness and at a leisurely pace.
“The is very refined and elegant with a fine-tannined line running through the center of the palate. It’s very intense and precise. Full-bodied with great, tight fruit. This is subtle and complex, then it opens on the palate and shows incredible depth and intensity. Great length, going on and on for minutes.”
-James Suckling, 100 Points
“The 2019 Haut-Brion is a blend of 48.7% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.1% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 10th of September to the 3rd of October. The estimated label alcohol degree is 14.5%. Displaying a deep garnet-purple color, it comes off incredibly shy and reticent to begin, needing considerable coaxing to reveal notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry preserves, woodsmoke and sandalwood, before launching into a full-scale fireworks display of iron ore, cumin seed, redcurrant jelly, red roses, oolong tea and Sichuan pepper scents plus a waft of cardamom. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers the most exquisitely ripe, finely grained tannins with a lively backbone of freshness supporting the tightly wound, earth-laced black fruit layers, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of the most finely structured, tightly knit wines of the vintage. Given time, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it goes atomic and eventually takes top place for the vintage.”
-Wine Advocate, 99 Points
“The Grand Vin 2019 Château Haut-Brion checks in as a classic blend of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its deep purple hue is followed by a stunning bouquet of ripe black cherry and currant-like fruit as well as classic Graves cold fireplace, burning embers, tobacco, and cedar pencil. More regal, firm, and classically structured on the palate, this full-bodied beauty has a deep, concentrated mid-palate, building tannins, background oak, and a great, great finish. It’s very much in the focused, elegant, yet still concentrated and powerful style of the vintage. It will need a solid decade of cellaring, but it’s a brilliant wine. Best after 2032.”
-Jeb Dunnuck, 98 Points
“Powerful and confident, there is no mistaking this concentration of ripe damson and black cherry fruits, set against coffee, earth, sage and black chocolate. Tons of tannins on display but extremely fine, to the point that you almost don’t notice them, then once the wine has left your mouth you suddenly realise how many there are, and how they are still exerting a pressure. Great persistency, slowing everything down and asking you to stop and think. Clear ageing ability here. Harvest September 10 to October 3.”
-Decanter, 97 Points
Blend: Merlot: 48.7%, Cabernet Franc: 8.1%, Cabernet Sauvignon: 43.2%
Foxcroft Online Price: $799 per bottle
$799.00
In stock