98 Points
98 Points
97 Points
96 Points
96 Points

Chateau Haut Brion 2012

SKU: HBCM201210 UCAU

$1,099.99

Unit price: per

1st Growth from the Pessac Leognan region, Bordeaux

65.5% Merlot, 32.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc

"I remember loving this En Primeur, and at the 10 years on mark it remains one of the wines of the vintage", Jane Anson

Critic Scores

98 // Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2012 Haut Brion (65% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc) is certainly one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage, with a dense purple color, classic nose of crushed rock, lead pencil shavings, black raspberry, blueberry and flowers. The wine shows subtle barbecue smoke notes in the background, but is full-bodied, stunningly concentrated and builds incrementally, yet finishes with luxurious, almost extravagant amounts of fruit and intensity. From only 46% of the production, this is an absolutely remarkable effort from the Dillon family and their winemaking team of the two Jean-Philippes. Drink it over the next 30-40 years"

98 // Jane Anson

"Whiff of gunsmoke reduction, opening up to show concentrated dark berry fruit with liqourice, pencil lead, campfire and black truffle. Stately and muscular, a brilliant counterpoint to the grace of La Mission Haut-Brion. Grips the palate, this is one of the highest alcohol wines in the vintage and yet it is balanced, with so much flavour and presence that just fills the palate and hangs on. I remember loving this En Primeur, and at the 10 years on mark it remains one of the wines of the vintage. 100% new oak."

97 // The Wine Independent

"Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Haut-Brion leaps with vibrant blackcurrant cordial, preserved plums, tar, and licorice scents, followed by touches of graphite, dried roses, and cardamom plus a hint of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, firm, and very fine-grained, it has loads of savory and mineral layers leading to a long, decadently rich, fruity finish on this very pure and youthful wine. The blend is 65% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc."

96 // Wine Enthusiast

"Firm and solid, this is one of the successes of 2012. It’s properly dark and tough at this stage, with that serious intent that’s a hallmark of Haut-Brion. Layers of firm tannins are interspersed with blackberry fruits and juicy acidity. The wine is dense and concentrated, with the wood aging still showing. This powerful wine will need many years. Drink from 2024. *Cellar Selection*"

96 // James Suckling

"Amazing aromas of wet stones, earth, currants and berries. Subtle and complex. Full body and a beautiful core of ripe fruit on the palate and the finish. Round, light, chewy tannins. Needs at least four or five years to open. This is the most Merlot ever in Haut-Brion. Rich too. One of the wines of the vintage. 65.5% Merlot, 32.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc."

Product Details

Red

2012

Merlot Blend

Chateau Haut-Brion

Graves, Bordeaux, France

None

Cork

14.0%

750ml (Bottle)

In Stock

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Description
Merlot plays a special role in this vintage since it forms two thirds of the final blend. The nose is subtle, elegant and very complex, with delicate hints of red fruit, blackberry and blackcurrant as well as more generous notes of liquorice, roasting coffee, oak and a nearly floral side that defies description. The tightly-knit structure is obvious from the beginning. However, it soon appears that the tannin is also quite rich, making the wine soft, rich, juicy and delicious. It already has a beautiful long aftertaste. The 2012 can vie with the estateâ€™s great successes.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Cassis, Plum, Red Fruits

Palate:

Cherry, Plum, Redcurrant

Food Pairings:

Pork

Red Meat

Tasting Notes

Description

Merlot plays a special role in this vintage since it forms two thirds of the final blend. The nose is subtle, elegant and very complex, with delicate hints of red fruit, blackberry and blackcurrant as well as more generous notes of liquorice, roasting coffee, oak and a nearly floral side that defies description. The tightly-knit structure is obvious from the beginning. However, it soon appears that the tannin is also quite rich, making the wine soft, rich, juicy and delicious. It already has a beautiful long aftertaste. The 2012 can vie with the estateâ€™s great successes.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Cassis, Plum, Red Fruits

Palate:

Cherry, Plum, Redcurrant

Food Pairings:

Pork

Red Meat

Chateau Haut Brion

Chateau Haut-Brion is the only First Growth Chateau of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification located outside the Medoc AOC. It finds its home in the Pessac-Leognan AOC north of the Graves region. First documentation of the estate dates back to 1525 when the property came to Jean de Pontac through his new wife's dowry. After a series of different owners, the estate was purchased by Clarence Dillon, an American banker in 1935. Remarkably, it still remains in the Dillon family today. A curious departure from its counterparts in the Medoc AOC, Chateau Haut Brion is Merlot focused. Of the 48 hectares under vine, almost 42% are planted to Merlot, 45% to Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder to Cabernet Franc. The dissimilarities continue in the fact that Haut Brion also produces one of the world's most esteemed white wines, Haut Brion Blanc, a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.Each variety is planted to its best-suited soil type resulting in Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel and Merlot on clay, while the white varieties thrive on the sandier soils of the estate.

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