Château Haut-Brion 1990, Premier Cru Classé from Pessac-Léognan, is a benchmark red wine, highly esteemed among Bordeaux’s legendary estates. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc in the blend, this vintage expresses the textbook finesse and complexity of its origin. 1990 is celebrated as an outstanding Bordeaux year, yielding ripe clusters with perfect balance and impressive longevity. The vinification process at Haut-Brion is meticulous, involving plot-by-plot selection, gentle extraction, and ageing in new French oak barrels, granting the wine richness, subtle oak integration, and a long capacity for ageing.
Pessac-Léognan, in the southern Graves region, sits on distinctive gravel soils, lending an earthy minerality and elegance to the wines. The climate is temperate and influenced by both the Atlantic and the Landes forest, providing a delicate equilibrium between sun and cooling breezes—ideal for slow, consistent grape ripening. Historically, Graves (and Haut-Brion in particular) is regarded as one of Bordeaux’s oldest great terroirs, with recognition for fine wine production going back centuries. The estate’s unique gravels are renowned for producing wines with both power and profound aromatic nuance.
Due to its remarkable structure, depth, and complexity, Château Haut-Brion 1990 pairs sublimely with refined dishes. It shines alongside classic French cuisine such as roast lamb with Provençal herbs or slow-cooked beef cheek in red wine. The multitude of savoury notes also enhance delicacies like truffled poultry or duck confit. From the local region, try it with canard à l’orange or grilled entrecôte à la bordelaise with its signature shallot and red wine sauce.
For optimal enjoyment, decant gently to avoid any sediment, and serve at 17-18°C. A Bordeaux balloon glass will best reveal the evolved bouquet of dark fruits, tobacco, leather, and earthy spice. Allow the wine a little time in the glass to fully open up and express its remarkable complexity, showcasing the grandeur of both the estate and this exceptional vintage.
