2023 Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan

Vinous 97+

The 2023 Haut-Brion is a wine of restraint and power. Usually a much more potent and somber wine, the 2023 Haut-Brion is a quiet aristocrat. Powerful dark-red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, spice, new leather and incense lend notable complexity and nuance to this svelte, understated Grand Vin. I expect the 2023 will gain weight and body in time. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. [Antonio Galloni, 31/03/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2033-2083

Robert Parker 95-97

The 2023 Haut-Brion exhibits a more Cabernet-inflected personality than the richer 2022, offering up a deep but youthfully reserved bouquet of dark wild berries, licorice, smoke and pencil lead mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, nicely integrated new oak and spices. Full-bodied, deep and velvety, it’s layered and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit structured around abundant but velvety tannins, concluding with a long, controlled finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the estate’s successful 2006, it’s a blend of 52.3% Merlot, 38.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9.1% Cabernet Franc. [Yohan Castaing, 26/04/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055