Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Haut-Brion - 2009

Château Haut-Brion 2009 is an illustrious red wine hailing from the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves subregion of Bordeaux. This renowned estate primarily crafts its reds from a blend dominated by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The 2009 vintage is particularly celebrated, distinguished by ideal ripening conditions that yielded grapes of exceptional concentration and freshness. Vinification at Haut-Brion is meticulous, with fermentation occurring in temperature-controlled vats and subsequent ageing in high-quality French oak barrels. The resulting wine boasts remarkable depth and complexity, with a bouquet of dark fruit, cassis, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and the characteristic smoky aromas emblematic of the château’s terroir.

The Graves region, and more specifically Pessac-Léognan, is unique within Bordeaux for its gravel-based soils, which facilitate excellent drainage and impart a distinct minerality to the wines. The area benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, with ample sunshine and cooling Atlantic influences that moderate summer heat. Graves has a storied history, with viticulture dating back to Roman times, and Château Haut-Brion itself stands as one of the oldest and most esteemed wine estates in Bordeaux, famously included as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification.

For food pairing, Château Haut-Brion 2009's structure and aromatic intensity reward refined dishes. Classic Bordeaux pairings like roast lamb with herbs, duck breast with blackberry sauce, or filet de boeuf Rossini allow the wine's complexity to harmonise with savoury, umami-rich flavours. Regional cuisine such as confit de canard or entrecôte à la Bordelaise captures the spirit of the region and complements the wine's nuanced earthiness and ripe fruit.

To fully appreciate the profound layers of this wine, serve it at a temperature of 17-18°C. Decanting for at least two hours before tasting will help soften the tannins and unlock the aromatic potential. In its prime, Château Haut-Brion 2009 promises a truly memorable Bordeaux experience.