Chateau Haut-Brion, Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2020

Very perfumed with floral, citrus and stone aromas, as well as hints of grapefruit. It’s full-bodied and seamless in texture. Extremely long and fine-grained. 72% sauvignon and 28% semillon. Normally 50/50.

Grippy fresh, green-tinged flavours, a little more evident than in the Mission Haut-Brion Blanc, here you get more angular acidities, and yet it works. Sauvignon-dominant flavours and aromatics of rosemary, mint, turmeric, lime blossom and steely citrus. Excellent persistency and a deliciously mouthwatering finish. Harvest from 20th to 27th August.

Drink 2022 - 2034

A blend of 71.4% Sauvignon Blanc and 28.6% Semillon, harvested 20th to 27th August and with an alcohol of 13.9%, the 2020 Haut-Brion Blanc slowly unfurls to reveal notes of fresh pears, spiced apple slices, orange zest and lemongrass, plus touches of wet pebbles, dillseed and baking bread. The medium-bodied palate wears its lightly spicy apple and pear layers with grace and sophistication, supported by a racy backbone and subtly creamy texture, finishing long and mineral laced. It will need time, but there's no doubting it's a knock-out.

Drink 2028 - 2045

The 2020 Haut-Brion Blanc is a wine of extraordinary precision and nuance. White flowers, mint, chalk, white pepper and citrus peel soar out of the glass. Weightless and nuanced, Haut-Brion Blanc is so striking. I especially admire its delineation and cut.

Drink 2025 - 2050

The 2020 Haut-Brion Blanc, which was picked August 20–27, has a tightly wound bouquet that requires 30–40 minutes to open, revealing well-defined aromas of green apples and Conference pear, light minty scents and hints of persimmon. The palate is taut and fresh with a little more depth than the La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc this year, though the major difference is that I find more mineralité and tension on the finish, hence my higher score. Excellent.

Drink 2025 - 2055