Brand: Chateau Haut Brion
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Vintage: 2016
Rating: 99
Farming Practice: Biodynamic
JD99: The white of the vintage is the 2016 Haut Brion Blanc, a Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes just under 30% Sémillon. Amazingly deep and rich, yet vibrant at the same time, it offers an exotic, liquid rock-like minerality as well as notes of citrus zest, crushed limes, and white flowers. It’s unquestionably one of the most concentrated, powerful wines out there, yet it still just glides across the palate with flawless integration of its fruit and acidity. It needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 20-30 years if you’re so inclined.
WA96+: Made up of 70.5% Sauvignon Blanc and 29.5% Sémillon, the Haut-Brion 2016 Blanc is a little closed to begin, the nose slowly revealing notes of orange blossoms, fresh ginger, lime zest and wet pebbles over a core of white peaches, pink grapefruit and lemon curd. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, with layer upon layer of fragrant citrus and stone fruit-inspired flavors and a racy backbone, finishing with epic length.