# Château Haut-Brion (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Haut-Brion
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €900
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, black cherry, cranberry, violet, redcurrant, chocolate, cedar, coffee, smoke, undergrowth, tobacco, leather, black truffle, forest floor

## About this wine

Château Haut-Brion 2021 is a red wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux, France, classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé. The estate, one of Bordeaux's oldest with origins in the 15th century, is unique as the sole First Classified Growth of 1855 not situated in the Médoc. The vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, grown on distinctive gravelly soils with underlying clay and limestone. The 2021 vintage was characterized by a cooler growing season, leading to a wine noted for its refinement and elegance. The estate is managed by Domaine Clarence Dillon, known for its dedication to producing wines of exceptional longevity and finesse.

## Interesting facts

- Only First Growth not in the Médoc.
- Vineyard soils are ancient gravel mounds.
- Estate dates back to the 15th century.
- 2021 harvest spanned Sept 13 - Oct 8.

## Food pairing

The wine's refined tannins and medium-plus body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in richer meat dishes, creating a balanced palate. Its complex aromatics, hinting at earth and subtle spice, can echo or contrast with earthy ingredients like mushrooms and herbs, enhancing the overall dining experience.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château Haut-Brion 2021 begins with meticulous vineyard management, followed by fermentation at controlled temperatures. The resulting wine undergoes an extended aging period of around 20 months in French oak barrels, with a high proportion of new oak. The harvest, which occurred from September 13 to October 8, was managed with careful attention to ripeness, contributing to the wine's refined character. The estate's approach emphasizes precision and tradition to craft wines of significant aging potential.