Chateau Haut Brion 2017 tasting notes and ratings “en primeur” by Ronald Rens, M.Sc., Wine Master, Bordeaux Expert
I tasted the Haut Brion wines in the professional tasting room in the tower of the chateau in the presence of two Jean-Philippes: Jean-Philippe Masclef, the Technical director of Haut Brion and Jean-Philippe Delmas, the estate manager of this First Growth. My tasting here included of course Haut Brion, but also La Mission Haut Brion as well as the superb white wines that are produced here.
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2017 (Red wines)
With two Jean-Philippes: Jean-Philippe Masclef (L), the Technical director of Haut Brion and Jean-Philippe Delmas (R), the estate manager
Chapelle de la Mission Haut Brion 2017, second wine of La Mission Haut Brion (17,5 points)
[41,9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49.2% Merlot and 8.9% Cabernet Franc]
Deep concentrated color with a bit of a lighter rim. Rather discreet nose with some pleasant fruit aroma’s. On the palate there is pleasant fresh red and black fruit and well-structured, especially for a second wine. Very approachable and almost ready to drink with a piece of cheese. Extremely approachable; much more so than in recent vintages.
La Mission Haut Brion 2017 (19+ points)
[56% Merlot, 39.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.4% Cabernet Franc]
Way deeper color than the Chapelle. Inky black with a strong purple rim. This wine takes a bit of time to open up but then we have the classic nose of La Mission Haut Brion. This is a big step forward from the first two wines. Beautiful precision in the opulent red and black fruit (blackberry). Elegant and strong tannins and a very good freshness and balance. Again a great wine that feels ready to drink young.
Chateau Haut Brion 2017 (Red wines)
Le Clarence de Haut Brion 2017 (Second wine of Haut Brion) (18- points)
[55% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Cabernet Franc and 1.7% Petit Verdot]
Somewhat deeper in color than the Chapelle with some more hints of purple. The nose is much more powerful and more complex than the Chapelle. In the mouth there is good crisp fruit, good mid-palate and structure and a strong freshness, which seems to be the signature of this vintage.
Haut Brion 2017 (19,5 points)
[53% Merlot, 40.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.3% Cabernet Franc]
Again a deep intense color with a bit more purple than the La Mission. Classic elegant and almost regal Haut Brion nose. Superb precise fruit (ripe blackberry). Rich ripe tannins albeit a bit less velvety than last year. Great freshness. Again easy to appreciate even easier to love! I was really surprised that this wine is so approachable already. Alcohol is 14,2% but you wouldn’t notice it. This wine is anything but heavy. Well done within the vintage.
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2017 (White wines)
Haut Brion 2017 (19,5 points)
La Clarté de Haut Brion 2017, serves as the second wine for both Haut Brion Blanc and La Mission Haut Brion Blanc (17,5 points)
[30.6% Sauvignon Blanc and 69.4% Semillon]
A very light color with some lemon yellow-green hints. Like every year this wines seems to jump out of the glass with a very expressive nose you simply want to indulge in. In the mouth it is party time again with pineapple, grapefruit and other citrus fruit. The wine has a slight bubbly feeling that will go away with aging. Decent length.
La Mission Haut Brion Blanc 2017 (19+ points)
[76.2% Sauvignon Blanc and 23.8% Sémillon]
A delicate light yellow hint shines through the wine. Rather closed on the nose at first but when it starts to open up it shows more complexity and refinement than the Clarté. This really is a different level of wine. In the mouth we feel the superb balance in the acidity and the tannins. The freshness works very well with the minerality. There is enough here to compensate the alcohol level.
Chateau Haut Brion 2017 (White wine)
Haut Brion Blanc 2017 (19,5 points)
[70.5% Sauvignon Blanc and 29.5% Sémillon]
The color leans a bit more towards a slight green, compared to the La Mission. The nose is a bit closed at first but when it opens up the complexity and elegance gives you a first impression of what in time will be a memorable experience. The wine itself is simply divine. Rich with ripe fruit tones (pineapple, citrus and apple) and even some spices. A bit more acidity than last year accounts for the freshness. Superb length and refinement. A truly great Haut Brion Blanc!
