CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
The 2025 Haut-Brion was picked from September 1 (slightly later than La Mission) to September 18 at 29 hl/ha. Aged in 59% new oak, this has a very pure and elegant bouquet with ebullient brambly red fruit, crushed stone, potpourri and touches of Earl Grey. Wonderful delineation and a little more refined than, say, the 2020 or 2022. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, and there is more complexity here than La Mission, more depth and minéralité. Fresh and marine-tinged towards the finish that makes you want to come back. This year, the First Growth has put a bit of distance between itself and La Mission.
JancisRobinson.com
62% Merlot, 26.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11.8% Cabernet Franc. 26 hl/ha. Cask sample.Lifted and fresh. More perceptible acidity than La Mission. Really powerful tannic frame but less velvety and plush than some years. Plenty of vigour but clearly a work in progress. (JL)


