Chateau Haut-Brion 2011

The smoothness and aromatic brilliance of a Pessac-Leognan Premier Grand Cru Classe

The estate

The oldest Bordeaux Grands Crus, Chateau Haut-Brion benefits from a rich heritage built on five centuries of history. Founded in 1533 by Jean de Pontac in the Graves region, the wine by Chateau Haut-Brion was quickly coveted and adored by the greatest European monarchs. In 1663, Samuel Pepys, a member of the English Parliament, unknowingly contributed to the success of Chateau Haut-Brion through his diary, writing "And here drank a sort of French wine, called Ho Bryan, that has a good and most particular taste that I never met...’’ The legend was born. First Grand Cru Classe outside of the Medoc region in 1855 and recognised as a Cru Classe in the 1959 Official Graves Wine Classification, Chateau Haut-Brion continues to write the legend of the world's finest wines by confirming, vintage after vintage, its exceptional consistency.

The vineyard

A true gem among the fine Pessac-Leognan wines, in the Bordeaux region, Chateau Haut-Brion has an exceptional terroir that rests on soils composed of multicolored gravel. From one vintage to another, the estate produces incredibly consistent sumptuous, elegant, precise wines.

The vintage

The year 2011 was marked by the driest spring since 1949. The rainy spells during the summer months were beneficial in refining the ripeness of the grapes. The harvest took place during a relatively dry month of September.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (46%)

Merlot (35%)

Cabernet Franc (19%).

Chateau Haut-Brion 2011: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Color

The color is a beautiful deep red.

Nose

Intense, the nose blends fragrances of ripe black fruit and cocoa beans with delicious smoky notes of liquorice.

Palate

The attack is fine and elegant. The palate showcases an alluring power with its coated tannins as well as its beautifully persistent finish.