Viniou Reviews
Château Haut-Brion 2019, hailing from the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves subregion of Bordeaux, stands as a paragon of French red winemaking. This vintage presents a harmonious blend, traditionally dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Cabernet Franc, though proportions vary according to the year’s expression. The 2019 season was marked by favourable weather, yielding grapes of exceptional ripeness and balance. In the cellar, Haut-Brion utilises both traditional and modern techniques, with meticulous selection, fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, and patient maturation in new French oak barrels, resulting in a wine of remarkable complexity, depth, and longevity.
The vineyard’s homeland, Graves, is celebrated for its unique gravelly soils, which allow for optimum drainage and force the vine roots deep into the earth, imparting minerality and finesse to the wines. Pessac-Léognan, at the northern tip of Graves, benefits from a mild maritime climate, tempered by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, offering conditions particularly suited to both red and white varieties. Château Haut-Brion itself boasts a lineage dating back to the 16th century and is regarded as a cornerstone of Bordeaux’s viticultural heritage, being the only non-Médoc property among the five Premier Crus of the 1855 classification.
With its deep structure, layered black fruit, hints of cigar box, graphite, and subtle violet and spice notes, Haut-Brion 2019 deserves cuisine of equal standing. It will pair beautifully with classic French dishes such as roast rack of lamb with herb crust, duck breast with cherry reduction, or tournedos Rossini. Regional options like entrecôte à la Bordelaise or a rich cassoulet will also complement the wine’s noble tannins and subtle smokiness.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Due to its youth and the large format of the jeroboam, a slow aeration—ideally three to four hours before serving—will allow its bouquet and palate to unfurl. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit and energy, or cellar for decades to reveal its full grandeur.
