2023 Château Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

58.1% Sauvignon Blanc, 41.9% Sémillon. Cask sample.

Translucent hue. Aromatically dominated by the Sauvignon – citrus notes with a grassy edge. Bit more weight to the mid palate than La Mission. Round and svelte and textured with a stony freshness on the finish.

Drink 2026 - 2032

A bit shy, the 2023 Haut-Brion Blanc exhibits aromas of lemon, lemon oil, crisp stone fruits and spring flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, dense and fleshy palate that's round and layered, with chalky underlying structure and a long, mineral finish. It's a blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Sémillon.

Drink 2025 - 2055

The 2023 Haut-Brion Blanc is a quiet, restrained white. Pear, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks are all beautifully sketched, its mineral character emerging with time. The 2023 is not an obvious wine, initially quite aromatic but less expressive on the palate. The long, sustained finish takes things to another level. Complex and dynamic, the 2023 grows over time, hinting at an exceptionally brilliant future.

Drink 2028 - 2043

The 2023 Château Haut-Brion Blanc includes slightly more Semillon than the La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc and is 58.1% Sauvignon and 41.9% Semillon. It's a slightly more inward, reserved white with white currants, green herbs, bright citrus, and sappy flower-like aromatics that take some coaxing. These carry to a medium-bodied white that has a bright, refreshing, racy style and plenty of mid-palate density and depth. It's an ever-so-slightly richer, more concentrated wine than the La Mission Haut-Brion.

The 2023 Haut-Brion Blanc was picked from August 21 until September 5. This is very detailed on the nose with orchard fruit, dewy meadow and light Mirabelle scents—very poised and focused. The palate is very well balanced with an irresistible texture, lightly spiced with impressive depth on the finish. It's the umami sensation that really lifts this superb Haut-Brion Blanc.

Drink 2028 - 2055

The Haut Brion is open and very pretty, with sliced lemon, pear and white-peach character, as well as a hint of lemon grass. It’s full and layered with structure and focus. Crunchy finish. Fine phenolics and vibrant fruit for the vintage. 58.1% sauvignon blanc and 41.9% semillon.

On the reductive style, with gunsmoke and flint, reserved but evident flesh to the fruit, captures the contrasting freshness and intensity of a great white wine, and delivers a feeling of being raised up through the palate. Exceptional quality, 3.2ph. 40% new oak.

Drink 2025 - 2040