Country: France Region: Saint Emilion, Bordeaux
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Haut-Brisson
Description:Until 1997, Château Haut Brisson was an 8-hectare estate in the Vignonet section of Saint Emilion. New owner Peter Kwok was keen to expand its vineyards and the range of terroir, so began to buy up vine parcels to make it up to the 22 hectares it has today. Judging by today's scores and the quality of the wine, Kwok purchased wisely and quality has soared. Today it is under the ownership of Stephane Schinazi and continues its stellar projection, with Michel Rolland as consultant. All its top grapes go into this wine (they no longer make La Réserve), ageing 30% of it in new French barriques, so as not to overwhelm the fruit with oak notes. Now certified organic, with the aim of going biodynamic too, the 2018 is a magnificent wine.
Tasting Note:Deep garnet red colour, aromas of pepper, liquorice, ripe black fruits, dark chocolate and peonies, with fine notes of cocoa. On the palate, a pleasant acidity and texture, round tannins. An excellent and long finish on the palate. Pair this wine with lamb, short ribs, and grilled meat.
95-96/100 points James Suckling This is a very powerful and structured Haut-Brisson, showing incredible depth and richness. Full-bodied and layered with incredible depth and purity. Layers of fruit and tannin. Best ever.
92-95/100 points Jeb Dunnuck The deep, saturated purple/plum-coloured 2018 Château Haut Brisson checks in as a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from a 22-hectare vineyard of fine gravelly and quartz-rich soils sitting on top of deep clay. Still aging in 35% new French oak, this rich, medium to full-bodied Saint-Émilion offers a nicely layered and beautifully balanced style as well as complex notes of blue and black fruits, spice box, blood orange, and violets. It has an exotic edge, ample mid-palate depth, and the sexy yet pure style of the vintage. I