Château Haut-Brion 2018 – Pessac-Léognan, Premier Grand Cru Classé

The nose is elegant, racy and offers power, a fine grain, delicacy, deepness as well as intensity and a small bewitching side. It reveals notes of ripe wild cassis, ripe strawberry, small notes of raspberry, violet associated with touches of small acidulous fruits, lily as well as hints of pulpy plum, nutmeg, sweet spices, very fine hints of mild tobacco (in the background) and a very discreet hint of Sichuan pepper (in the background). The palate is precise, beautifully delicate, beautifully built, beautifully harmonious/melodious and offers a small aerial side, a very beautiful balance, tension (in finesse and control), subtility and deepness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy blackberry, pulpy cassis, small notes of crushed wild raspberry associated with touches of small acidulous red fruits, pulpy violet plum as well as hints of cornflower, peony, nutmeg, zan as well as fine hints of cuben pepper, cardamom, very discreet hints of caramelization and vanilla. Good length and persistence. Tannins are elegant, precise and beautifully built. A subtle bitter hint (nice) on the finish/persistence.