1990 Chateau Haut-Brion Premier Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 12x75cl

Chateau Haut Brion: The Connoisseur’s First Growth

The sole First Growth from Pessac, Chateau Haut Brion, is one of Bordeaux’s icon fine wines. Historic – in Jane Anson’s words, “Haut Brion is unquestionably the one with the greatest claim to being the actual First of the Firsts in terms of longevity and historical influence” – and brilliant in equal measure. It fully deserves its place at Bordeaux’s top table.

There’s a quiet confidence about Haut Brion. It has a remarkable habit of achieving perfect ratings from the critics. However, it always seems to be great value compared to fellow First Growths. Combine this with a gorgeous style, and it’s easy to see why Haut Brion is often considered a connoisseur’s choice.

The famous Grand Vin makes up about 40% of production. This is about the same as the second wine, Le Clarence de Haut Brion.

Chateau Haut Brion’s home in Pessac is famous for its white wines; Haut Brion Blanc is the benchmark, a wine against which all others are mentioned and a rival to the great white of Montrachet in terms of quality, exclusivity, collectability and indeed price.

A Wine of Stunning Beauty

Located on the outskirts of Bordeaux city itself, Haut Brion sits on a fantastic terroir. Varied soils are of limestone, sandy gravels and deep clays. The location close to Bordeaux gives a little extra warmth. This means earlier picking than most and a touch more Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.

Haut Brion’s style is one of genuine beauty. The varied terroirs here combine to result in a wine that combines the elegance of Lafite with the aromatic complexity of Margaux. Again, to quote Jane Anson, it “is often the benchmark for what can be achieved in any given vintage in Bordeaux.

The Legendary Chateau Haut Brion 1989

Any list of the best wines made in Bordeaux, or anywhere else for that matter, must include Chateau Haut Brion 1989. The product of an excellent Bordeaux vintage, it was an immense wine from barrel and fully lived up to its potential. 1989 Haut Brion has amassed 100-point scores from nearly every critic that has tasted it.

As 1989 Haut Brion, it ages and matures, it continues to impress. Neal Martin awarded it a perfect score in 2019, and Jane Anson did the same in 2021. William Kelley followed suit in 2022.

Learn more about Chateau Haut Brion here