The 2018 Haut-Brion is composed of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine needs a lot of swirling before it begins to release a whole complex melody of notes, one at a time to begin: tilled earth, followed by pronounced licorice, then crushed rocks, then the preserved plums. Eventually, it all comes together into a fascinating crescendo of intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch notes, giving way to quiet, persistent leitmotif scents of cinnamon stick, truffles and redcurrant jelly. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers all this and more, revealing tightly wound black fruit, red berry and exotic spice layers within a solid, wonderfully plush frame and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth and mineral sparks. This is a profound, highly intellectual, multilayered baby, which will require a good 7-8 years to begin to sing its incredible song, then should cellar a further 40 years at least. By way of reference, think 1989 with more restraint and even greater purity.
100 points, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)
Aromas of currants, leaves, fresh mushrooms, oyster shell, tobacco, and dried flowers, following through to a full body, yet ever so refined and polished and it grows on the palate. Lovely, energetic finish. Subtle and driven at the end of the palate. Drink in 2026 and onwards.
99 points, James Suckling (Feb 2021)
The 2018 Haut-Brion is deep garnet-purple in color. It offers up notes of stewed plums, baked blackberries, and crème de cassis, plus hints of Chinese five spice, tobacco, and dusty soil, with a waft of dried herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is a beautiful monster, framed with firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and exotic.
98+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Feb 2023)
A quintessential expression of this terroir, the 2018 Château Haut-Brion checks in as 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Ripe and sexy, yet also offering subtle aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco leaf, truffle, lead pencil, and minerals, it takes its time opening up but reveals a full-bodied, concentrated, multi-layered style carrying gorgeous tannins, flawless balance, and just a wonderful symmetry and elegance paired with beautiful richness. This noble, gorgeous Haut-Brion will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and cruise for 40 years or so.
98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)
Waves of cassis, cherry puree and blackberry paste roll through in this showstopper, with notes of tea, sandalwood, iron and anise providing an entourage for the fruit. A subtle warm earth accent underscores the finish without intruding on the texture. A large-scaled yet eminently refined wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2045.
98 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)
Fourth generation of the Dillon family at Haut-Brion today, overseeing the extremely challening act of keeping a First Growth at the top of its game. This is laying down the gauntlet - powerfully built, complex and succulent layers of tight black fruits and grilled oak, overlaid with charcoal, cloves, tobacco, slate, sage and smoked earth, nuanced and unwilling to show its hand too soon. Needs a good five to eight years more, and will age for decades. Harvested 6 September to 2 October, yields 44hl/ha. 3.8pH. IPT72
98 points, Jane Anson (Oct 2021)
Another stellar vintage for this always elegant first growth. Despite a stormy spring and May hailstorm, September harvest conditions were ideal. What stands out for me is the elegance, intense purity and a juicy, vibrant freshness that seems to be the hallmark of the vintage. It's generous, velvety and wonderfully complex, with aromas of tobacco, black truffle, and rich red and black fruit flavours.
98 points, Elin McCoy, Decanter (Jun 2023)
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