Château Haut-Brion Premier Grand Cru Classé (1995)
SommeliAI Insights
A harmonious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, offering a complex bouquet of dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes.
About this wine
The 1995 Château Haut-Brion presents a deep ruby color and a complex nose featuring aromas of burning wood embers, vanilla, spices, earth, minerals, sweet cherry, black currant, and plum-like fruit. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with ripe, sweet tannins and a finish that lingers for 40 to 45 seconds. This wine is just beginning to emerge from a closed state, displaying a muscular and structured profile. The 1995 vintage was characterized by a dry, hot growing season, leading to perfectly ripe grapes at harvest. This wine is expected to age gracefully and develop further complexity through 2035.
About the grape
In the 1995 Château Haut-Brion, the blend consists of 48% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Merlot, known for its early ripening and adaptability, contributes to the wine's softness and approachability. Cabernet Sauvignon, with its late ripening and thick skins, adds structure and aging potential. Cabernet Franc, often used in smaller proportions, imparts aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. The combination of these varietals, each thriving in the gravelly soils of Pessac-Léognan, results in a wine that balances elegance with longevity.
Quick facts
- 🏰 Château Haut-Brion is the only First Growth wine estate located outside the Médoc region, situated in Pessac, near Bordeaux city.
- ⛰️ The estate's name, 'Haut-Brion,' originates from the Celtic word 'Briga,' meaning a rise or mound in the land.
- 🍷 In 1961, Château Haut-Brion became the first Grand Cru to use stainless steel fermentation vats, pioneering modern winemaking techniques.
- 🇺🇸 Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president, visited the estate in 1787 and was so impressed that he ordered 125 cases of Haut-Brion wine.
- 🍇 The 1995 vintage of Château Haut-Brion is renowned for its harmony between a soft, fine structure and complex aromas, making it a standout year for the estate.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Haut-Brion, established in 1525 by Jean de Pontac in the Graves region of Bordeaux, is renowned as the oldest continuously operating winery in Bordeaux. In 1660, it became the first Bordeaux estate to sell its wine under its own name, gaining immense popularity in London. Notably, in 1663, English diarist Samuel Pepys praised its unique taste, marking one of the earliest recorded wine reviews. The estate has been owned by notable figures, including Talleyrand and, since 1935, the American financier Clarence Dillon. Château Haut-Brion was also a pioneer in winemaking innovations, being the first of the great growths to use stainless steel fermentation vats in 1961.
