Viniou Reviews
Château Haut-Brion 2015, hailing from the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation within Bordeaux’s Graves region, embodies the excellence and tradition synonymous with this iconic estate. The 2015 vintage is renowned for its exceptional quality, offering an ideal blend of power, elegance, and complexity. This red wine—presented here in an imposing Jeroboam format—features the classic Bordeaux blend, typically dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a notable touch of Cabernet Franc. The grapes benefit from meticulous hand-harvesting, precise sorting, and extended ageing in top-quality French oak barrels, imparting finesse and subtle aromatic depth.
In the glass, Château Haut-Brion 2015 reveals a deep garnet hue, with an expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe plum, graphite, cedar, and delicate hints of tobacco and truffle as it matures. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet supremely balanced, displaying a refined tannic structure, vibrant freshness, and a persistent, multi-layered finish. The Graves’ distinct gravelly soils contribute to the wine’s minerality and ageing potential, making it a jewel for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Pessac-Léognan appellation sits just south of Bordeaux city and is famed for producing some of Bordeaux’s most distinguished reds and whites. The region’s gravely, well-draining soils offer optimal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while the nuanced climate—tempered by the nearby Atlantic—encourages slow, even grape ripening. With viticultural roots tracing back to the Middle Ages, the Graves’ historical legacy is palpable in every glass of Château Haut-Brion, which itself is among Bordeaux’s oldest and most storied estates.
Food-wise, Château Haut-Brion 2015’s complexity calls for refined pairings. Consider serving it alongside roast duck breast with a cherry reduction, grilled rack of lamb with rosemary, or classic French dishes like tournedos Rossini. Regional specialities such as canard aux morilles or an aged entrecôte Bordelaise will also complement its flavour profile beautifully.
To fully appreciate its depth and aromatic expression, serve this wine at 16-18°C, ideally after decanting for at least two hours so the bouquet can open up. Enjoy now for its youthful vigour, or cellar for another decade or more to witness its graceful evolution.
