Estate History
Château Haut-Brion is one of Bordeaux’s most historic estates, with written references to wine from the Haut-Brion terroir dating to 1521. In the landmark 1855 Classification, it was named Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth), notably becoming the only First Growth located outside the Médoc.
Situated in Pessac, within the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Haut-Brion is distinguished by its historic gravel-rich terroir and centuries of winemaking tradition. American financier Clarence Dillon acquired the estate in 1935, beginning a new chapter of investment and modernization. His descendants continue to oversee Château Haut-Brion today through Domaine Clarence Dillon.
Blend
53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc
2022 Vintage
The 2022 vintage was shaped by an exceptionally warm and dry growing season. Frost arrived in early April but caused little damage at Haut-Brion. Warm conditions in May supported rapid vine development and successful flowering, while rainfall in June provided welcome relief before a succession of heat waves during the summer.
Despite prolonged heat and very limited summer rainfall, the vineyard performed exceptionally well. A small number of well-timed showers supported the final stages of ripening, allowing the grapes to reach full maturity despite the challenging conditions.
Harvest for the red varieties began on August 29 with the younger vines, followed by Merlot, and continued through September 15. The fruit arrived at the winery in excellent condition, showing impressive ripeness and aromatic intensity.
Ratings
98+ Pts – Jeb Dunnuck
“A blockbuster of a wine from this château, the 2022 Château Haut-Brion is based on 53.6% Merlot, 35.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Cabernet Franc. It's slightly deeper hued than its sibling, the La Mission Haut-Brion, and brings a slightly firmer, more masculine style in its smoky blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, violet, and tobacco-driven aromas and flavors. As good as it gets on the palate, this sensationally layered, seamless Haut-Brion has medium to full-bodied richness, a sensationally pure, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, building yet polished tannins, and an incredible finish. It deserves at least a decade in the cellar (it's clearly enjoyable even today), and I suspect it will evolve for 50-75 years or more, given its balance, concentration, and structure.” Jeb Dunnuck
98 Pts – James Suckling
“This is one of the deepest Haut-Brions I have encountered in a long time. The muscular structure takes you down, delivering a long and rather endless finish. Full-bodied with lots of flavor, particularly fruits such as currants as well as black truffles, cedar, walnuts and dark mushrooms. Some dried thyme and crushed stones also. Better give this eight to 10 years. This will improve for decades. Try after 2030.” James Suckling
97+ Pts – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Haut-Brion, which was bottled in May 2024, lives up to the high expectations I had set for it and then some. Revealing a dense, complex and precise bouquet of dark berries, pencil lead, cedar box, rose and spices intertwined with discreet notes of oak, it's full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with a muscular chassis of tannins and an enveloping core of fruit that retains energy and purity, concluding with youthful grip. Given the inherent quality of the terroir, time is likely to be very kind to this vintage, allowing it to integrate and mature gracefully.” Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
97 Pts – Vinous
“The 2022 Haut-Brion has a wonderful bouquet with mineral-infused black fruit, cedar and dried violet, the oak exquisitely enmeshed. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, beautifully balanced as the tannins caress the palate. Pitch perfect acidity, bright and energetic, fans out with confidence and brio on the finish. Outstanding.” Neal Martin, Vinous Media
