Haut Brion Blanc 2023

A bit shy, the 2023 Haut-Brion Blanc exhibits aromas of lemon, lemon oil, crisp stone fruits and spring flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, dense and fleshy palate that's round and layered, with chalky underlying structure and a long, mineral finish. It's a blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Sémillon.

Pale lemon-gold in colour, the nose here is unique and anticing, salty with notes of dill pickle, yellow apples, lemon balm and beeswax. A textural bomb, this is glossy and full bodied, with a waxy, dense core of orchard and even tropical fruits. There is a distinct non-fruit power, giving an underlying glossy, savoury complexity. A gourmand, textural wine.

The Haut Brion is open and very pretty, with sliced lemon, pear and white-peach character, as well as a hint of lemon grass. It’s full and layered with structure and focus. Crunchy finish. Fine phenolics and vibrant fruit for the vintage. 58.1% sauvignon blanc and 41.9% semillon.

A blend of 58.1% Sauvignon Blanc and 41.9% Semillon, the white 2023 Haut-Brion has a pH of 3.2. It is incredibly closed to start, needing a lot of shaking to bring out fragrant notes of fresh pears, lime leaves, coriander seed, and crushed stones, soon opening out to fragrant scents of lemongrass and honeysuckle, with a touch of baking bread. The medium-bodied palate vibrates with energetic citrus flavors, with a satiny/chalky texture and a racy backbone, finishing with amazing length and depth.

On the reductive style, with gunsmoke and flint, reserved but evident flesh to the fruit, captures the contrasting freshness and intensity of a great white wine, and delivers a feeling of being raised up through the palate. Exceptional quality, 3.2ph. 40% new oak.

58.1% Sauvignon Blanc, 41.9% Sémillon. Cask sample.
Translucent hue. Aromatically dominated by the Sauvignon – citrus notes with a grassy edge. Bit more weight to the mid palate than La Mission. Round and svelte and textured with a stony freshness on the finish. (JL) 13.8%
Drink 2026 – 2032