New Release: 2022 Haut Brion (98-100 Points Jeff Leve) and Haut Brion Blanc

We have an immense set of releases from Bordeaux this morning, the First growth of Chateau Haut Brion and the second wine of the estate, Clarence de Haut Brion, alongside the Haut Brion Blanc, one of the world’s great white wines, and Clarte de Haut Brion.  

2022 Haut Brion is superb in 2022. Galloni gives it 97-99 points and says, “The purity of the flavors is striking, but the wine’s statuesque personality might be even more impressive”. Jeff Leve sees potential perfection here and says “If you are an Haut Brion fan with the disposable income, you cannot own enough of this future legend”. For James Suckling, it is worthy of 98-99 points and has a “Great finish with structure and polish”. Lisa Perrotti-Brown gives it 97-99+ points and calls it “A classic, breath-taking expression of Haut-Brion”. 

With 98-99 points from James Suckling, Haut Brion Blanc 2022 is an astonishing prospect. Production is tiny as just 650-850 cases in a typical vintage, a fraction of the red Grand Vin, and they have a loyal following that keeps it rare. If you would like it, particularly in large formats, now is the time. 

Details are below, do take a look and let me know if you would like any secured: 

2022 Chateau Haut Brion

SGD $5,520 ($5,961.60 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)

SGD $5,530 ($5,972.40 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)

The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Dark, powerful and imposing, with compelling inner sweetness, La Mission is positively striking. The purity of the flavors is striking, but the wine’s statuesque personality might be even more impressive. Time in the glass brings out all sorts of savory and mineral notes that add complexity. The balance here is just mind-blowing. What a wine!

97-99 points Antonio Galloni

Picture walking into a flower show with a basket of fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar, and while that is not quite PC, it is the aromatic profile here. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, vibrant, lifted and floral. The wine is elevated, refined, soft, and silky with a refreshing, silky edge to the fruits in the finish. The wine is pure elegance There is nothing between you and the fruits. There is intensity, length, and a striking sense of purity. The wine lingers seamlessly for 60 seconds, or longer. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. 14.45% ABV, 3.83 pH. Harvesting took place August 29 – September 15. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare, with 50% of the harvest placed into the Grand Vin. This is not only in competition for wine of the vintage, it is one of the best vintages of Haut Brion ever produced. If you are an Haut-Brion fan with the disposable income, you cannot own enough of this future legend. Drink from 2030-2065

98-100 points Jeff Leve

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Haut-Brion is a blend of 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc aging in 62.9% new oak. The nose is typically closed and broody, requiring a lot of shaking to wake up enticing notes of iron ore, red roses, lavender, mint tea, and forest floor, leading to a tantalizing core of plum preserves and blueberry pie. The medium to full-bodied palate is very tightly knit with vibrant black and blue fruit layers and red berry sparks, framed by very fine-grained tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing long and minerally. A classic, breath-taking expression of Haut-Brion, I expect this to remain shy and restrained for the first 10 years so in bottle, and then watch it soar.

97-99+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Currants and cedar with sandalwood and peaches. Fascinating aromas. Violets. Full-bodied with a crunchy and electric palate of primary fruit, with hints of tangerines and citrus. Great finish with structure and polish. 53.6% merlot, 35.4% cabernet sauvignon and 11% cabernet franc. Interesting to have such high merlot in the blend.

98-99 points James Suckling

2022 Chateau Haut Brion Blanc

SGD $6,430 ($6,944.40 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)

SGD $6,440 ($6,955.20 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)

Dried lemon and lime with honeysuckle and stone aromas, that follow through to a full body with fantastic length and energy at the end. Phenolics give it great length and stature. 51.4% semillon and 48.6% sauvignon blanc.

98-99 points James Suckling

2022 Clarence de Haut Brion

SGD $1,440 ($1,555.20 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)

SGD $1,450 ($1,566.00 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)

A medium- to full-bodied red with fine and lightly chewy tannins. Lots of dark chocolate, crushed stone and graphite flavors at the end. Subtle. 62.1% merlot, 21.9% cabernet sauvignon, 14.5% cabernet franc and 1.5% petit verdot.

94-95 points James Suckling

2022 Le Clarte de Haut Brion

SGD $940 ($1,015.20 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)

SGD $950 ($1,026.00 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)

Aromas of oyster shell and crushed stone with lemon curd and dried lemon. Full and layered with a chewy, phenolic texture and a long and flavorful finish. Wonderful. 53.7% sauvignon blanc and 46.3% semillon.

96-97 points James Suckling